Goyle Sr.

Goyle Sr. was a wizard and a loyal Death Eater who served Lord Voldemort. He was the father of Gregory Goyle, a Slytherin student in Harry Potter's year at Hogwarts. Goyle Sr. participated in both the First Wizarding War and the Second Wizarding War, and was known for his large, intimidating physique, a trait he passed on to his son. He was part of the inner circle of Death Eaters that included figures like Lucius Malfoy and Crabbe Sr..

Goyle Sr. was one of Lord Voldemort's original Death Eaters during the First Wizarding War. Following the Dark Lord's downfall in 1981, Goyle Sr., like many others, managed to avoid imprisonment in Azkaban. He likely claimed to have been acting under the Imperius Curse to feign innocence. Lord Voldemort later mocked him and others for their cowardice and failure to search for him during his years of weakness. During the intervening years, he raised his son, Gregory Goyle, instilling in him the pure-blood supremacist ideology common among the Death Eaters.

Upon Lord Voldemort's return to power in June 1995, Goyle Sr. was one of the Death Eaters who answered the summons of the Dark Mark and traveled to the graveyard in Little Hangleton. He witnessed Voldemort's rebirth and was chastised for his past disloyalty. Harry Potter, who was tethered to a tombstone, recognized him as being “as large as his son.” In June 1996, Goyle Sr. was part of the squadron of twelve Death Eaters, led by Lucius Malfoy, sent to retrieve the prophecy concerning Harry and Voldemort from the Hall of Prophecy in the Department of Mysteries. He participated in the ensuing Battle of the Department of Mysteries against members of Dumbledore's Army and the Order of the Phoenix. He was ultimately captured at the conclusion of the battle, along with most of his fellow Death Eaters, and was sentenced to Azkaban. Goyle Sr. was presumably freed during the mass breakout from Azkaban in January 1997 orchestrated by Lord Voldemort. His specific activities for the remainder of the Second Wizarding War, including his potential involvement in the Battle of Hogwarts, are not recorded. His ultimate fate following Voldemort's final defeat is unknown.

Goyle Sr. is described in the books as being a very large man, a physical characteristic his son Gregory Goyle inherited. He possessed a build that matched his brutish nature. His personality appears to be that of a typical Death Eater: arrogant, prejudiced against Muggle-borns and Muggles, and inclined towards violence and cruelty. His loyalty to Lord Voldemort was questionable, as he quickly abandoned the cause after his master's first fall, only returning out of fear when Voldemort was restored to full power. He was a close associate of other aristocratic Death Eaters like Lucius Malfoy.

As a Death Eater present at key battles, Goyle Sr. was presumably a competent duelist and proficient in the Dark Arts. His inclusion in the elite team sent to the Department of Mysteries suggests he was considered a capable and reliable fighter by Lord Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy. However, no specific spells or unique magical talents are attributed to him in the novels.

• Wand: As a wizard, Goyle Sr. owned a wand, though its specifications are unknown.
• Death Eater Robes and Mask: During his service to Lord Voldemort, he wore the traditional black, hooded robes and skull-like mask of a Death Eater.

• Gregory Goyle: Goyle Sr. was the father of Gregory. He raised his son to be a loyal follower of the Malfoy family and to espouse pure-blood ideals, ensuring the continuation of his beliefs.
• Lord Voldemort: Goyle Sr. was a servant to Lord Voldemort. While he was part of the inner circle, Voldemort viewed him with some contempt for abandoning him after his first defeat.
• Death Eaters: He was a close associate of other Death Eaters, particularly Lucius Malfoy and Crabbe Sr.. Their sons, Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle, formed a similar tight-knit group at Hogwarts.

The surname “Goyle” is likely derived from “gargoyle,” which are grotesque, monstrous carvings on buildings, often functioning as waterspouts. This name reflects the large, thuggish, and brutish appearance and nature of both Goyle Sr. and his son. Gargoyles also serve as guardians, which could be an ironic nod to their roles as henchmen for more powerful dark wizards.

In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, a character presumed to be Goyle Sr. is seen among the Death Eaters in the graveyard scene. He has no lines and his role is non-speaking (film).