Newt Scamander is the main protagonist of the Fantastic Beasts series and has had a leading role in the battle against Grindelwald. The third installment had Newt partake in Albus Dumbledore’s plan to foil Grindelwald’s plan to become the Supreme Mugwump, which was a departure from Newt’s original appearance where he just wanted to locate his missing magical creatures.
In addition to the change in Newt’s goals, the protagonist’s personality and traits have also developed from how they were in the beginning. With three movies now depicting his adventures, there’s enough to go on to see how Newt has undergone his character development. From his love for Tina to his involvement in the Global Wizarding War, it’s interesting to follow Newt’s progression in the story.
Newt Is A Lot More Daring And Assertive
One of the reasons why Newt was among the best characters in Fantastic Beasts 3 was due to his change in attitude. Newt was far more assertive, such as when he went into the prison to rescue his brother without being intimidated and when he confronted Albus over his avoidance of Ariana’s death.
When the series began, Newt was a real pushover who didn’t even have the confidence to look people in the eyes when he spoke to them. He used to have no problem with letting issues pile up because he avoided confrontation, but Newt has now progressed well enough that he has the boldness needed to jump into hazardous situations.
Newt Wants To Be Around Friends
One of the connections between Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter is the theme of friendship. When Newt was first seen, he had no interest in making human friends and was a recluse who just relied on magical creatures for companionship. This started to change once he met Jacob, Queenie, and Tina.
Although Fantastic Beasts 2 showed Newt still relatively reluctant to be around people, he was very enthusiastic to be part of Dumbledore’s group in Fantastic Beasts 3. Newt’s happiness to be among friends was apparent at Jacob and Queenie’s wedding, which showed that he now preferred having others in his life.
Newt Understands His Brother Now
Newt avoided bringing up Theseus in the first movie and again tried to avoid him in Fantastic Beasts 2. Neither of the two used to understand the other, as Newt didn’t get Theseus’ career ambitions. Their relationship started to develop after Leta’s death, though, and the brothers were very close by the third film.
Newt has now looked to see things from Theseus’ point of view even if he doesn’t share the same way of thinking. The real change is the way Newt doesn’t withdraw when Theseus is around, as he’s understood that they have different mindsets but that it doesn’t mean either one is wrong or right.
Newt Takes An Active Role In Battles
Newt didn’t have much care for things other than the fantastic beasts and magical creatures he had in his possession during the first movie. In fact, he actively avoided getting involved in the conflict against Grindelwald, only joining reluctantly in the second movie.
However, Newt was a willing participant in the plan against Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 3, which goes to show that he’s understood the responsibility he has. The best way this was portrayed was when Newt quoted Dumbledore’s belief of choosing between what’s right and what’s easy, signifying that he’s gone with the former because he can make the Wizarding World a better place.
Newt Is Open With His Opinions On Important Matters
Newt never spoke up about what he was thinking in the first movie, and the most he had to offer were small remarks when someone asked him what was on his mind. This is in striking contrast to when it was Newt who approached Albus over Ariana’s demise after the massive revelation of her existence in Fantastic Beasts 3.
Newt relayed his opinion that Albus needed to forgive himself and try to make amends with Aberforth. He was also open about feeling sad that Tina wasn’t along for the adventure, which he never would’ve done previously. Newt has become mature enough to know when he should speak up and where they need to be private.
Newt Takes Others' Opinions Into Consideration
Although Newt wasn’t assertive when he was first introduced, he was very set in his ways. Newt basically listened from one ear and let that out the other, as he felt he was right even if others didn’t see it. It was one of the reasons why Theseus was sour with him because Newt just didn’t see things in any other way than his own.
As shown in Fantastic Beasts 3, Newt has changed his mind how he’s listened to advice. He took Dumbledore’s words to heart about becoming brave and fighting Grindelwald’s plans, and decided to confront his feelings for Tina after Bunty told him that he didn’t know everything despite what Newt tried to tell himself.
Newt Is Willing To Give Love A Chance
Newt was smitten with Tina from the get-go in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them but didn’t do anything about it. The second part showed that he hadn’t attempted to make their relationship progress further, with the third installment once more having the two separated.
However, the final moments of Fantastic Beasts 3 presented a change in Newt, as he decided to pursue Tina. This was a result of Bunty’s advice for Newt to go after what he was missing for so long. Newt was far bolder in his interaction with Tina at the end, with the implication that he was now finally going to do what his heart wanted.