Dumbledore analysis...

I think he's very wise and powerful, but also very manipulative and calculating. I think there's some arrogance in there too.

I agree with Dumbledore : sometimes they sort too soon...

He should have been sent to Slytherin (like Severus could have been to Gryffindor). At least, Albus showed very strong Slytherin tendencies. I have nothing against Slytherin, I would have been sent there because of a strong calculating and manipulative streak in me, that I can recognize in others .

In my fanfics, I picture Dumbledore as a manipulative individual. See how he manipulated Severus and Harry to do his bidding. He even "tortured" Severus mentally in order to use his guilt and shame to have him do his will. My theory is that he even compelled Severus to make an Unbreakable Vow with him to ensure Severus' obedience and loyalty. The famous "Anything".

In a sense, Dumbledore is no different from Voldemort. The only difference - and it is a big one, I concede - lies in the true motivations. Albus wanted things to be done for the Greater Good and get the world rid of an evil nuisance such as Voldemort.

He also is an energetic, charismatic, assertive and powerful individual. He's the boss, the man in charge. That's why I prefer Michael Gambon's interpretation over Richard Harris' (too frail in my opinion).

He's a complex character, pretty much like Severus, as both comes in various shades of gray. They are not good or evil, black or white. Just human.

He is very wise, and good. I think manipulative is too strong a word, certainly he twisted things, but almost always for the greater good. I think he was anything but arrogant and vicious.

There's a lot of things Dumbledore was.

First, he was wise, there's no doubt about that. Everything he did had a reason behind it. Because of his vast experience, he knew what the right was to do. He was loving and caring. He cared about everyone around him. He gave so many people segundo chances. He trusted them and was loyal to them.

He was extremely brave. He sacrificed his own life without any fear to save others'. He looked at the bigger picture and therefore had the ability to make the right decisions. He had this power in him- this purity- that made people trust him and believe him. He's humble- not arrogant- since he blames himself for Arianna's death, even though he's not sure it was him who killed her. He's haunted por his past but he doesn't show it. He's emotionally strong. He's a good supporter.

I do think that in his youth, he was arrogant, but people learn from their mistakes. And the people who do just that are the best, in my opinion.

So overall, Dumbledore was a great wizard. Crazy, but fantastic. XD