Skender

Skender was a wizard and the cruel, exploitative owner and ringmaster of the Circus Arcanus. He profited by displaying magical creatures and beings with unique abilities, most notably the Maledictus Nagini. His primary role in the story is as the captor of both Nagini and Credence Barebone before they escape his control in Paris in 1927. All information regarding Skender comes from the Fantastic Beasts film series.

Skender's history prior to 1927 is unknown. As the owner of the travelling Circus Arcanus, he made a living by showcasing “freaks” and magical beasts to wizarding and No-Maj audiences alike. His troupe included performers like Nagini, whom he forced to transform into her snake form, and creatures such as the Kappa and Zouwu. (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) In 1927, his circus travelled to Paris. By this time, he had taken in Credence Barebone, who had survived the events in New York and was working for Skender as a menial labourer. Skender treated both Credence and Nagini with cruelty and contempt. During one performance, when Skender was aggressively attempting to force a distressed Nagini to transform, Credence unleashed his Obscurus power. The resulting chaos destroyed the circus tent and allowed many of the performers and creatures, including Credence and Nagini, to escape. Skender was last seen amidst the wreckage of his business, his ultimate fate unknown. (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald)

Skender is depicted as a large, imposing man with a gruff demeanour and a prominent moustache. He typically wore a ringmaster's costume. (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) His personality was defined by greed, cruelty, and opportunism. He viewed his performers not as people but as assets to be exploited for financial gain, showing no empathy for their suffering. He was quick to use threats and intimidation, as seen when he brandished his wand at Nagini. However, he also displayed cowardice when confronted with a power he could not control, such as Credence's Obscurus. (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald)

Skender was a wizard, though his magical proficiency is not shown in detail.

• Wand Use: He possessed a wand and was willing to use it to threaten and control his performers. (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald)
• Showmanship: His primary skill was as a ringmaster and showman, capable of managing a travelling circus and attracting crowds.

• Circus Arcanus: His main possession and source of income, which was destroyed in 1927.
• Wand: He owned a wand of unknown wood, core, and length.
• Performers' Contracts: He presumably held magical contracts or ownership papers over his performers and creatures.

• Nagini: Skender was Nagini's captor and tormentor. He exploited her Maledictus curse for profit, and she lived in fear of him until she escaped with Credence's help.
• Credence Barebone: Skender provided Credence with shelter after he fled America but treated him as a lowly worker. Credence ultimately turned on Skender, using his Obscurus to destroy the circus and free himself and Nagini.

The name “Skender” is a variant of “Alexander,” particularly common in the Balkans and Turkey. The name Alexander means “defender of the people,” which serves as an ironic contrast to Skender's role as an exploiter and captor.

Skender is a character created for the Fantastic Beasts film series and does not appear in the original seven Harry Potter novels. He is featured in the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), where he is portrayed by Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson. His character serves to illustrate the darker, exploitative elements present within the wizarding world and provides the narrative context for the meeting and alliance of Nagini and Credence Barebone.