I came across this article, and thought it might be of interest to DLP: it has a fascinating look at how the mundane nature of Umbridge's 'evil' is actually a rather rare thing, and how that has helped to bring her to be such a memorable character.

 

Couldn't agree more --- her petty banality reminding especially of the frustrating adult-in-the-room whose capriciousness to abide by is what makes her so despicable. As someone who spent formative years reading voraciously, not to escape into fantasy lands but rather to learn the ways in which he might envision conducting himself, I've developed a rather conscious sense for narrative incongruences with reality. So this part of Umbridge always stuck out to me as a sorely obvious element.

To Stride's point on drama --- no, I don't actually want to read about caricatured villainy. I want to read about grey little men in grey little offices (think Cryptonomicon). What's more, I want commentary on their dull, obstinately clueless little lives, particularly on the mundane power politics well beyond their understanding that sweep them inexorably into ruination or stagnation. Or, what's rarer, being at the right place and at the right time, to descend into greatness. Rarer even to ascend mastery, requiring unusual preparation, perception, ability; rising to a certain insular circle of influence, where one's best advantage is knowing how to converse, and eloquently, with real table stakes.

I ultimately gave a pass on so much of HP because I just didn't see the use of it (book one remains my perennial favorite). But Umbridge sticks.

The challenge is blending these qualities with the usual fantasy moods (I've yet to read Iain M. Banks' Culture series, which more is sci-fi). It is still, after all, these relatable human dramas, done better or worse, that make for such textured experiences despite embedding in cartoonishly medieval worlds as SOIAF.

 

That's definitely part of it. I think just about everyone has some experience with an Umbridge-like figure. Someone who has power over them, and uses it in the pettiest, most mean-spirited way possible.