Love it! The concept for this was so clever and fitting, and I like the detail you put into characterizing his parents.

Wonderful work! I really like your past for Quirrell.. it makes him so much more human and real. I also really like how you tied in acting, movies, and theatre throughout. You have a few comma errors here and there, but they don't detract from the story at all. Awesome job - I'm so glad this is in the archive!

A shockingly wonderful look into Quirrell, and character who seems to have been disregarded completely by the fan base. I’ve been on this site since 03, and this is the first story I’ve come across with him in it. I must say, you wrote this beautifully. Quirrell’s personality was very clear in this.

Wow. I never thought of Quirell like this. Amazing. He wasn't a helpless pawn, not at all. Nice description. I loved his muggle-loving mother, that gave a nice tragic touch to his story. A fav.

Gorgeous story; you've really fleshed out an unused in fandom character like Quirrel. The parallels to the theater were beautifully exectuted, especially the last two lines. Loved this.

This is really well written, one of my favs I'd say. Just the flow, and the characterization of Quirrell, and Voldemort, and the way he killed his own mother just, everything, wow! Amazing :)

Quirrell's seen Beetlejuice lol

Brilliant!

"It's Showtime" is from Beetlejuice!

That was a unique spin on him, one I hadn't considered. Actually, I'm not sure if fans give Quirrell much thought at all. Surprising since he did play a pivotal role in the first book.

What I liked was that it seemed fitting with the first book. That he was playing a role he might not have designed for himself, and that he had no real control over, but willingly relinquished the control he had over his life for what he hoped would be a reward later. I think that kind of rationale could work with all of the Death Eaters. Ultimately, they are all bit players in Voldemort's plans while he finds them useful.

Well! I wasn't expecting this! (And that's a very good thing!) What a lovely characterization. There's a lot of good stuff in here. Let's get on it, shall we?

I'm a sucker for actors, and so the reference is nice to work with. I think you work the conceit in very well. I'd suggest that the flashback not be interrupted by the real; I'd move "Ever since then..." and "'Two minutes'..." to after the paragraph that ends with "...the things she loved to occur." Then you can have that snap back to reality accompanied with the "real" Quirrell (it is two Ls by the way; I can never remember if it's two Rs myself, I totally understand) AND get that shock moment about his mother being killed by his own hand ramped up another notch or two.

I think the hatred of his father is a very logical thing for Quirrell to have. It works into this character you give us and I quite like it. It's done very well. Bravo. ;)

I don't get the reference, no (well I might, but I'm not quite sure, although I think it's a horror movie reference), but I like the passing mention of the "Mudblood" girl. That one doesn't need further explanation; you do just enough with it there to add that final level to his characterization that I didn't realize was missing until then.

I do think you need to explain why Quirrell became a Death Eater. You nuance it with the reference to torture, as if he was forced into it, but I don't think that's where your characterization of him is going. I'd've liked that to be developed a bit more so I understood more about his character. :)

Finally, keep an eye out for typos and capitalization errors. Muggle and Mudblood and Lord (in this case, as we're talking about Voldie) need capitalized; trolls does not, necessarily. Keep also trying to find your own voice. There were some awkward phrases ("the simple thing of deceptive performances"; "line slipped fittingly"; "launch forward". The more you write, the more you'll find your own voice. It just comes with time. I'm still trying to find mine...apparently it's not always campy, as I thought it might be...*sigh* Oh, tone...

Anyway, I want to just compliment you again on the acting conceit, as you play it to perfection (I had to!) in this. It's the shining moment and it really makes this characterization authentic.

Thanks for a nice little read! I quite enjoyed myself.

Excellent work.

Keep writing.

Cool idea and I liked your take on Quirrell's personality. Thanks for writing.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! :D

I've always thought of Quirrel as a hapless pawn, but you show him in a very different light. Very fitting for Hallowe'en.

Very cool fic! Your characterization of Quirrel was spot on and I like where you ended.

i dont like quirrel but nice writing

You are the first one that I know of thar has written something on Quirrel. It was interesting and different. Keep smiling. :-)