Vernon Dursley is a fictional character in Harry Potter, the series of novels by J. K. Rowling. He is a Muggle and the husband of Petunia Dursley (née Evans), with whom he has a son, Dudley Dursley. Vernon resides at 4 Privet Drive, where he and Petunia raise their son and, reluctantly, their orphaned nephew, Harry Potter.^[1] Following the murder of Harry's parents by the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort, Vernon and Petunia take him in but treat him poorly, resenting his magical heritage while excessively spoiling Dudley. Vernon is characterized by his intolerance of anything unusual, his strong dislike of magic, and his efforts to suppress Harry’s connection to the wizarding world.^[2][3]

Vernon works as a director at Grunnings, a drill manufacturing company, and is depicted as an authoritative and materialistic figure. He plays a significant role in Harry’s early years, particularly in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, where he attempts to prevent Harry from attending Hogwarts. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Vernon, along with Petunia and Dudley, goes into hiding due to the dangers posed by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The series implies that Dudley later has children, making Vernon a grandfather. His relationship with Harry remains strained, though it is suggested that some level of reconciliation may have occurred.^[4][5]

Vernon Dursley is portrayed by Richard Griffiths in all eight Harry Potter films.^[6]