what are dementors

Dementors are a type of creature in the Harry Potter universe that are often referred to as "soul-sucking fiends" due to their ability to feed on human happiness and generate feelings of depression and despair. They are wraith-like creatures that float off the ground and glide through the air, inhabiting various pockets of despair around the world. Dementors are blind and rely on their ability to sense the emotions of others. They are the guards of Azkaban Prison and are known to prevent the prisoners from having the will or ability to escape. Dementors are classified as "non-beings" by the Ministry of Magic, meaning they are not considered living organisms like the magical creatures typically encountered. They are closer to ghouls or apparitions and are considered amortal instead of immortal. The only way to protect against Dementors is with the Patronus Charm, and consuming chocolate can also alleviate some of the side effects of their close presence. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, created Dementors as a symbol of depression.