Hagrid is portrayed by actor Robbie Coltrane in the film adaptations.

Hagrid has a deep connection with the animal kingdom and often finds himself in possession of rare or magical creatures. It was his keeping of the dangerous acromantula Aragog that linked him with Moaning Myrtle's death and the original opening of the Chamber of Secrets in the 1940s. The accusation was false and, though Hagrid's wand was broken and he was forbidden from using magic, he kept the wand hidden inside an umbrella and continued to use it when necessary. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the truth about Tom Riddle's involvement results in the clearing of Hagrid's name.

Throughout the series, Hagrid is one of the few family-like connections Harry is able to establish in the wizarding world. Hagrid lays his life on the line to save Harry on numerous occasions.

• "Ah, go boil yer heads, both of yeh," said Hagrid. "Harry -- yer a wizard."

• "Me dad was broken-hearted when she wen'. Tiny little bloke, my dad was. By the time I was six I could lift him up an' put him on top o' the dresser if he annoyed me. Used ter make him laugh... Dad raised me ... but he died, o' course, jus' after I started school. Sorta had ter make me own way after that. Dumbledore was a real help, mind. Very kind ter me, he was ...."