Eldred Worple

Eldred Worple is a wizard, author, and noted expert on vampires. A former student of Horace Slughorn and a member of the Slug Club, his primary role in the series is to proposition Harry Potter to be the subject of a biography he wishes to write.

Eldred Worple attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he was a favoured student of Potions Master Horace Slughorn, earning him a place in the original Slug Club. As an adult, Worple became a successful author, publishing a book titled Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires, which detailed his experiences with the vampire community. He maintained his connection to Professor Slughorn and remained a prized member of his network of influential contacts. On 20 December 1996, Worple attended Professor Slughorn's Christmas party at Hogwarts. He brought along a vampire acquaintance named Sanguini. During the party, Slughorn introduced Worple to Harry Potter. Worple, believing Harry's fame would only grow, immediately tried to persuade him to collaborate on an official biography. He argued that getting an early start before Harry met a “grisly end” would guarantee a bestseller. Harry, finding the proposition morbid and intrusive, quickly made his excuses and escaped the conversation.

Eldred Worple is described as a “small, stout man with thick glasses” and a “wizened-looking” face. Worple's personality is opportunistic and forward, with a keen eye for fame and fortune. His immediate attempt to secure a book deal with Harry Potter reveals a commercial and somewhat ghoulish mindset. He is also well-connected, not only maintaining his relationship with the influential Professor Slughorn but also having close enough ties with the vampire community to bring one as a guest to a school party.

• Writing: Worple is a published author, which suggests considerable skill in writing, research, and communication.
• Vampire Expertise: He is considered an expert on vampires and their culture, having spent enough time among them to write an entire book on the subject.
• General Magical Ability: While his specific magical skills are not demonstrated, as a former Hogwarts student and a member of Slughorn's elite club, he is presumably a competent wizard.

No specific magical or notable possessions of Eldred Worple's are mentioned in the novels.

• Horace Slughorn: Worple was one of Slughorn's favourite students and remains a key member of the Slug Club. Slughorn is proud of Worple's career and connections, eagerly introducing him to Harry Potter.
• Harry Potter: Worple viewed Harry as a potential subject for a lucrative biography. He approached Harry with a business proposition, which Harry found off-putting and promptly rejected.
• Sanguini: A vampire acquaintance whom Worple escorted to Slughorn's party. Their relationship appears to be professional or at least functional, as Worple seems to be managing Sanguini's presence at the event.

• Eldred: An Old English name derived from Ealdræd, which means “old counsel” or “noble counsel.” This could be an ironic reference to the unsolicited, commercially-driven advice he gives to Harry, or a simple nod to his “wizened-looking” appearance.
• Worple: The surname has a somewhat quirky, Dickensian quality common in the wizarding world. It may be a play on the word “warped,” perhaps hinting at a slightly skewed or morbid perspective, given his interest in vampires and his casual discussion of Harry meeting a violent end.

Eldred Worple appears in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where he is portrayed by actor Paul Ritter. His role is largely the same as in the book; he corners Harry at the Slug Club Christmas party to propose writing his biography. (film)