Remus Lupin

Origin

Little about Lupin's early life and family are known. Sometime in his youth his father insulted the werewolf Fenrir Greyback, who responded by attacking and infecting the young Lupin. His parents spent many years attempting to find a cure for his lycanthropy, but were unsuccessful. When he was eleven he was allowed to attend Hogwarts by headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who felt that his affliction should not be allowed to keep him from his education. The Whomping Willow was planted at the entrance to a secret tunnel that lead to the Shrieking Shack, a building in which Lupin could undergo his monthly transformations without posing a risk to fellow students or other humans. At school he was sorted into Gryffindor and became close friends with James Potter, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew; the group eventually learned of Lupin's lycanthropy. Rather than turning their backs on him, they became unregistered Animagi to support him through his transformation, as werewolves only pose a threat to humans. He was a good student, and became a Prefect in his fifth year. During the First Wizarding War, he was a member of the Order of the Phoenix. He was unable to find employment due to his status as a werewolf, and relied on James to survive. 

Creation

Lupin was originally created by JK Rowling for her Harry Potter series of books, making his first appearance in the third book in the series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He made his first appearance in comics in Mad #433

Major Story Arcs

The Prisoner of Azkaban

Lupin becomes the Defence Agains the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. On the train ride to Hogwarts he repels a Dementor that has entered the carriage in which he, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley are seated, and marking the beginning of his friendship with Harry. As a professor, he is highly-regarded and well-liked by his students, and notable for his hands-on teaching methods and obvious knowledge on the relevant subjects, which had been lacking in previous instructors. In order to maintain some control over his transformations, he drinks Wolfsbane Potion, which is prepared for him by Severus Snape.  He begins providing private lessons to Harry, teaching the boy how to cast the Patronus Charm. When Harry is caught by Snape while wandering the halls with the Marauder's Map, Lupin saves him from punishment, having recognized the map as the one he and his friends created in their youths. When Harry, Ron and Hermione confront Sirius Black at the Shrieking Shack, Lupin arrives and helps to explain what had actually occurred, as well as the identity of the person who had actually betrayed Harry's parents. When they attempt to return to the school Lupin, who had neglected to take his Wolfsbane Potion, transforms into a werewolf. He is prevented from harming anyone by Sirius, and flees into the Forbidden Forest. He returns to the school to find that Snape has publicly divulged his status as a werewolf. He resigns his post as professor ahead of the inevitable uproar from parents over the threat the he poses to his students.  

The Order of the Phoenix   

Lupin rejoins the Order, and is one of those who escorts Harry from the Dursley's house to Grimmauld Place. He spends much of his time among fellow werewolves, attempting to monitor their feelings and turn them to the side of the Order. When Harry witnesses memories of his father and Sirius bullying Snape, he confronts Lupin, who expresses regret over not having stopped them. Lupin is present at the battle in the Department of Mysteries, where he duels and defeats Lucius Malfoy. He witnesses the death of his best friend, Sirius, and prevents Harry from diving through the Veil after him. 

The Half-Blood Prince 

Lupin is among those who defend Hogwarts after it is invaded by Death Eaters. He manages to survive the battle unscathed. In the aftermath, the romantic feelings of Nymphadora Tonks are brought fully into the open, though Lupin has been resisting her because he believes she deserves someone better than he. He later attends Dumbledore's funeral with her, and the pair later wed quietly. 

The Deathly Hallows  

Lupin escorts Harry from the Dursley's to the Burrow, acting as protector for George Weasley, who was one of the seven to take Polyjuice Potion as a diversion. When George is struck with the Sectumsempra, Lupin is able to keep him on his broom long enough to reach the Burrow. Lupin ensures that Harry is the real Harry, and later urges him to exercise caution in who he trusts. He attends Bill and Fleur's wedding and is among those who defend the Burrow when it comes under attack. Tonks is revealed as pregnant soon after, which horrifies Lupin, who believes that the child will be a werewolf like him. He attempts to flee responsibility by joining Harry on his quest, but is rebuffed by Harry, who calls him a coward. He later becomes one of the correspondents for the underground radio broadcast Potterwatch, operating under the name Romulus. He eventually reunites with Tonks, who gives birth to a boy who they name Teddy. Lupin fights in the Battle of Hogwarts; he is killed by Antonin Dolohov. When Harry activates the Resurrection Stone, Lupin is one of the apparitions to appear to him.

Powers and Abilities

Lupin is a fairly powerful wizard, meaning he can wield magic to a variety of effects. He has a notable gift for Defence Against the Dark Arts, and is an exceptional duellist. He is also notable for his skill with wandless and nonverbal magic. He is capable of producing a Patronus.  He is a werewolf, meaning that every month at the full moon he undergoes an involuntary transformation into the form of a wolf. He is almost completely unable to control himself during this time, though in his youth the presence of the Marauders was effective to keep him safe, and the use of Wolfsbane Potion as an adult helps to keep him from hurting himself or others.

Other Media

Film  

Harry Potter Series
Lupin appears in five films in the Harry Potter series. He is portrayed as an adult by David Thewlis, and as a youth by James Utechin.  

Games

Lupin appears in several game adaptations of the Harry Potter series. 

Literature

Harry Potter Series
Lupin was originally created for the Harry Potter series of books. He appears in four books in the series. 

Parodies

Lupin appears in some parodies and comedic works. Notable appearances include the musical A Very Potter Sequel.