As good as dead
Speculation is furious over whether Harry Potter will survive "The Deathly Hallows." If he dies, it wouldn't be unexpected. Author J.K. Rowling has killed a number of key characters, Harry Potter's parents among them before the stories even began.
The death of the main character is nothing new to literature either. A number of high profile fictional characters have bought the paperback farm. USA Today has put together a list of some of the more famous fictional deaths, in addition to a couple other stories speculating on Harry Potter's fate and the effect it might have on its readers.
But first, some highlights from the list.
Bambi's mom: Tragic, but necessary for the story to unfold. And the argument could be made that Bambi's mom is not the main character. After all, the movie wasn't titled: "Mother of Bambi." Although that might make for an interesting Godzilla sequel.
Sherlock Holmes: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tried to kill him, then he was revived in later stories. Way to succumb to public pressure. There will be no turning back for Rowling though. This is going to be the last she ever writes about Harry Potter, or at least that's what she's been saying.
Charlotte: From Charlotte's Web. Spiders don't have long to live. She had to go. But she did a lot of living in her short time. Still, it would have been better if Wilbur got the axe too. Mmmmmm! bacon!
To read the whole list and the other stories go to: http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2007-07-11-storied-deaths_N.htm