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"Although there are other mythological references similar to Fluffy and Cerberus throughout the books and films, Rowling’s writing of Professor Minerva McGonagall may be the greatest usage and analysis of classical mythology in the wizarding world, because she exemplifies Athena’s task of mentoring heroes, Athena’s wisdom and skills of war strategy, and is possibly the most qualified successor to Professor Dumbledore." —— S. Clanton, MythF18

According to Rowling via Pottermore.com, "Minerva McGonagall is the deputy headmistress, head of Gryffindor house, and Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A tall, stern-looking witch with black hair usually drawn into a tight bun, few students dare cross her; she is an imposing figure who can quickly spot trouble. Professor McGonagall can also transform at will into a tabby cat, distinguishable by spectacle markings around her eyes...Minerva was the Roman Goddess of warriors and wisdom. William McGonagall is celebrated as the worst poet in British history. There was something irresistable to me about his name, and the idea that such a brilliant woman might be a distant relative of the buffoonish McGonagall."

Rowling's own sketches of McGonagall were posted on Pottermore and published by Time magazine. Jim Kay's portrait of Prof. McGonagall is on the Rowling Library's website, an image he maintains in his (2015) illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (New York, Scholastic).