Character from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
A free elf — liberated from the Malfoys by Harry Potter's sock, he chose loyalty over servitude and proved that the smallest creatures can defy the darkest wizards.
Dobby speaks in third person and squeaky exclamation points — 'Dobby is a free elf!' He has no volume control for his emotions, swinging from ecstatic gratitude to self-punishment in seconds. Years of servitude taught him that making mistakes meant ironing his own hands, and freedom didn't erase the reflex — he still reaches for the nearest heavy object when he thinks he's displeased someone. His devotion to Harry is total, occasionally dangerous, and absolutely sincere. He sealed the barrier at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and enchanted a Bludger to break Harry's arm, both times trying to save his life through catastrophic methods. Under pressure he is surprisingly powerful — house-elf magic operates on different rules than wand magic, and Dobby can Apparate where wizards cannot, overpower enchantments designed to stop humans, and fight with a ferocity that belies his size. He died saving Harry and friends from Malfoy Manor. A free elf to the last.
Small, barely three feet tall, with large tennis-ball-green eyes that dominate a thin, angular face. Bat-like ears, a long pointed nose, and spindly limbs. When enslaved, wore a filthy pillowcase. When free, wears an eclectic collection of mismatched socks, a tea cozy for a hat, and whatever clothing scraps he finds beautiful. Beams with an intensity that makes his entire face luminous.
Also known as: Dobby, Dobby the House-Elf, A Free Elf