Is Harry Potter Nerd Or Jock? 13 Key Clues Reveal The Truth
This may completely change the way you look at the boy who lived.
Summary
- Harry Potter begins his story as a classic nerd.
- But later, at Hogwarts, he shows signs of the opposite archetype – the jock.
- So who is Harry really? We have evidence to answer that question.
We bet that when you first met Harry Potter, you thought he was a stereotypical nerd outsider. A shy, skinny boy in Dudley's well-worn huge clothes and glasses, bullied by his schoolmates and family, certainly gives that impression.
However, after his transition to Hogwarts, Harry began to show signs of a completely opposite archetype - a high school jock. And we are here to prove to you that our beloved boy who lived is indeed that - a jock - but certainly a likable one.
Hard Evidence
If you take a closer look at his arc, Harry Potter's character fits snugly into the majority of jock stereotypes. Here are 13 key clues to prove it.
1. Harry is popular at school and throughout the wizarding world. There isn't a single person at Hogwarts who doesn't know who he is
2. Harry is a gifted athlete. He shows a natural talent for flying the moment he lays hands on a broom
3. Harry stands out as a star player in a ball game (Seeker in Quidditch)
4. Harry inherits his knack for sports and popularity from his father
5. Harry despises schoolwork and academics, struggling with every subject except sports. Even the most thrilling topics for any nerd, like Transfiguration and Charms, fail to capture his interest
6. Harry chooses his sports gear over magic and strategy when he is brought face to face with a dragon
7. Harry relies on his nerdy friend Hermione to do (or check) most of his homework
8. At one point, Harry is embarrassed to be seen traveling with 'nerds' (Luna and Neville) because he's worried about maintaining his social status
9. Harry inherits a significant trust fund from his late parents
10. Harry is a high school dropout. It is a forced step, but still
11. Harry is a hit with girls
12. Harry ties the knot with his high school sweetheart, who was also a popular girl
13. Harry grows up to become an Auror, the magical equivalent of a Muggle police officer
These 13 facts may seem comical at times, but the truth is that they all point to the same conclusion: Harry Potter fits the classic mold of a high school jock.
As readers, we see things through Harry’s eyes, we witness his doubts, struggles, and burdens, and can't help but relate to him and root for him. But take a step back and put yourself in the shoes of an ordinary Hogwarts student in the same year as Harry. Would you really cheer for Harry Potter?
Sure, after the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry proved his heroic status to everyone and probably became the most adored wizard in the world. But rewind a bit, and it's easy to sympathize with those classmates who suspected Harry of sneaking his own name into the Goblet of Fire.
Redemption of the Archetype
In fact, through Harry's character, J.K. Rowling managed to flip the script on the typical jock stereotype, showing that they're not just one-dimensional, dim-witted, cocky bullies. Just like in the real world, everyone has their own quirks and complexities, everyone deserves attention, everyone is the star of their own story.
Today, you can see these jocks redeeming the archetype everywhere. Take Steve from Stranger Things, for example. It is hard to imagine a more likable character. Even if Harry wasn't the one who started the trend and paved the way for characters like Steve, he's certainly one of the bigger examples.
And if you're bummed that your favorite book and movie lead isn't a full-on nerd, don't worry - check out Neville. He's the ultimate nerd underdog, playing into every stereotype. But that's a story for another day.