Harry Potter, the Hero who does nothing

"Harry never was a classical hero. He was (and stayed) whiney, selfcentered and immature (of course if you define Frodo as a hero, this would qualify Harry). I know some hardcore Potter fans, writing their fan fiction in Potter forums and all. They are fascinated by the series, but they all say they don’t think of Harry as a likeable person (I’m talking about adults here of course). On the other hand, you don’t have to be perfect to be basically a good person. And you don’t have to be perfect OR a good person OR a hero to be a good protagonist to drive a good story. Classical heroes are out anyway (I sometimes miss them). So, given he IS clearly the protagonist, what makes a hero in your eyes? Obviousely the one who defeats the antagonist. But thats not the definition. A tragic hero may even be slain himself. A hero is the one who, by heroic actions and character, inspires the audience. The one they would consider as a role model. Personally I can’t see this in Harry."

Ben at http://thetorchonline.com/2009/11/08/was-harry-potter-really-the-hero-of-the-harry-potter-series/