Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban discussion

I am interested in roman history and mythology, so to me when i saw the name Remus Lupin, I my first reaction was that he was a Werewolf that was going to die because in Latin Lupus mean wolf, and Remus was one of the twins who were raised by a wolf and died.

I knew pretty much from the get go he was a werewolf for the exact reasons you described. Rowling wasn't exactly subtle in that regard. Still a good book though despite she practically hit you over the head with Lupin's lycanthropy.

Yes, a handful of readers did catch this. She often uses names from mythology and lore, and even uses direct characters, such as our favorite alchemist, our favorite three-headed dog and several other things.

I actually loved how she used names to suggest personality or power. Lupin, Sirius Black (Sirius is the dog star), Wormtail, just to name a few. I thought it was very clever!

I also really loved how she named the characters, I really enjoyed the foreshadowing these book, and this was one of the examples that I liked the most.

i honestly didnt realize it until you mentioned it then i had an epiphany.. my roman and greek mythology and mother such fields is a bit rusty. good catch though. im kind of upset with myself for missing it every time.

Rowling did this with the majority of her characters. Come to think of it, a lot of authors tend to do this, especially if, like Rowling, they are taking their inspiration from the old myths and legends.
Maybe it's like a little inside author's joke?

Minerva (Macgonagall (sp?)) is the Roman Goddess for wisdom.
Severus is Latin for severe.
Luna is from the name we give the moon cycle (Luna cycle) which is also the basis for the word "lunatic" or crazy. I mean I adore Luna Lovegood, but she's a little out there lol.
Hermione comes from the Greek name Hermes (and chosen from a Shakespearean play) who was Messenger of the Gods but also the God of wit, quick thinking and eloquence.
Draco means dragon.
I could go on.