In the Harry Potter series of novels and films, the Death Eaters are a radical group of wizards and witches led by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. They seek to purify the wizarding community by eliminating wizards and witches born to non-magical parents, and they attempt to create a new order within the Ministry of Magic by spreading fear through the wizarding community and murdering those who speak out against them. The Death Eaters recognize one another by the Dark Mark, a sigil branded on each of their left forearms that allows Voldemort to summon any of them instantly. Their typical attire includes black hooded robes and masks. The Death Eaters first appeared in the novel Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, although individual members of the group, such as Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, and Peter Pettigrew, had appeared in earlier books in the series. The Death Eaters seek complete power and control over the entire Wizarding world, wishing to restrict leadership to a select few. Some Death Eaters were forced into service through The Imperius Curse and cannot be blamed for their actions, while others were willing and complicit followers of Voldemorts regime.