The character of Professor Severus Snape is a potions teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter series. He is a half-blood wizard, who is portrayed as a complicated, mysterious figure. He is known for his sardonic wit, and his cold and controlled exterior hides a deep emotional pain. Snape is a key figure in the series, and his role in the story is revealed gradually as the books progress.