As the main character of the Harry Potter series, Harry does many heroic things throughout the seven books. Fans all over the world have loved the character, and he’s one of the most well-known fictional people of all time. Other than Harry, his two best friends Ron and Hermione are nearly as memorable. These three and their trio are part of what made the series so compelling.
While Harry might be the main character, this doesn’t necessarily mean he’s always the best member of the trio, however. Here are the reasons he’s the best member of the three as well as why he’s the worst.
Worst: He could be a bit self-absorbed
As the protagonist of the series, Harry had to deal with a lot. He was always the target of Voldemort’s attention, and he had a lot to worry about because of this. So, being a little preoccupied with his own troubles makes sense.
However, Harry could be a bit too absorbed in his own concerns and forget to check up on his friends. While he did care about them, he wasn’t always the most supportive.
Best: Because he truly wanted to do the right thing
Harry is a likable and interesting main character because he has flaws. He has strengths and weaknesses, and he doesn’t always do things that make sense.
However, his heart is in the right place. He wants the wizarding world to be a better place and free of Voldemort and his bigotry. So, while he might make some mistakes along that path, he is always trying to do what he thinks is right.
Worst: He couldn’t understand why Ron would be jealous of him
Jealousy in friendships is a normal thing especially when you’re young. So, given that Harry is famous and gets a lot of attention, for better or worse, it would make sense that Ron would sometimes feel less than.
While Harry being upset when Ron got mad at him made sense, he also should have been able to understand Ron’s concerns. It seemed like Harry could be a little obtuse in this way.
Best: He showed his friends he cared by giving great gifts
On the other hand, while Harry had some areas where he wasn’t always a great friend, he also had many strengths. Because he had the ability to spend money, he was a great gift giver.
He had no problem spending money on his friends and picking out gifts he knew they would love. He also never expected to be paid back and only accepted this if someone insisted.
Worst: There were many times he used Hermione
In many ways, Hermione is the one in the trio who is always helping the other two. She’s put together, intelligent, and hard-working.
So, at times when Ron let his jealousy get in the way, she was the one always there helping Harry. Sometimes, Harry Would take her loyalty and help for granted and would forget just how much she also had on her plate.
Best: His magical ability
There are many qualities that make a person great. While some of these have to do with kindness and compassion, being gifted and talented can also mean a lot.
Harry was naturally gifted in magic especially at Defense Against the Dark Arts. While Hermione was a better magic user than him in some areas and one of the best students at Hogwarts, Harry excelled at defensive magic that would allow him to protect himself and others.
Worst: He lashed out at Ron and Hermione a lot
Harry went through a lot when he was quite young, so he clearly had a lot of trauma and emotional issues to work out. He was also a teenager, so the fact that he sometimes overreacted is excusable.
However, it did get frustrating as a fan to see him continually take out his anger and pain on Ron and Hermione when they didn’t deserve it, especially during their fifth year.
Best: Because he was always trying to save people
One of Harry’s strongest traits is the fact that he is chivalrous and heroic. He is also prone to self-sacrifice if it means saving other people. While at times his need to save people could seem a little silly, it really was one of the best things about him.
This innate trait is what drove him to defeat Voldemort. And, even in situations like trying to save everyone during the Second Task, it was clear that Harry cared about the safety of others.
Worst: He never gave as much to his friends as they gave to him
This point is a bit complicated because as the protagonists the books are set up in a way for Harry’s issues to be the most pressing. Hermione and Ron do function as his support to help him along his hero's journey.
However, putting this in a real-life context makes it seem like Harry was kind of selfish. Ron and Hermione were often on the sidelines helping him along, and he could forget to offer much support to their lives.
Best: He was the main protagonist
Whether Harry is your favorite member of the trio or not, he is the main protagonist in the story. As such, he’s the most important member of the trio to the narrative.
While that might not make him the best at everything or the best of the three when it came to friendship, it does make him indispensable.