Definitive Proof That Harry Potter Was In Fact A Hogwarts Jock

When we first met him, Harry Potter was skinny, wore ill-fitting clothes and glasses, and was bullied by his schoolmates. All of this created the image of a nerd in need of pity and protection.

But after Harry discovered he was a wizard and went to Hogwarts, his whole arc changed, and instead of a sympathetic nerd, we got a sympathetic jock.

Evidence

If you think about it, the character of Harry Potter plays perfectly into most jock stereotypes:

1. He is the most popular student in school, always in the spotlight.
2. He is a talented athlete, good at flying the first time he touches a broom.
3. He is the star player of a ball sport (Quidditch).
4. He hates schoolwork and academics and is iffy with every subject in school except sports. Even the most exciting subjects for any nerd, like Transfiguration and Charms, bore him.
5. He disregards magic and tactics in favor of using his sports equipment when fighting a dragon.
6. He lets his nerdy friend Hermione do most of his homework.
7. He takes after his father, who was also a popular kid good at sports.
8. He is embarrassed to be seen travelling with nerds (Luna and Neville) at one point, because he doesn't want to lose his social status.
9. He has a large trust fund left to him by his deceased parents.
10. He is a high school dropout. By choice, but still.
11. He is popular with girls.
12. He marries a high school sweetheart who was also a popular girl.
13. He becomes an Auror, which is the Muggle equivalent of a cop.

Archetype Redemption

All these facts add up to overwhelming evidence that Harry is a pretty standard high school jock.

Since the story is told from his point of view, we see the insecurities, challenges, and pressures he faces. But if you imagine yourself as an average Hogwarts student who happens to be in the same year as Harry, answer yourself honestly. Would you be his fan?

Of course, after the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry became everyone's hero and probably the most popular wizard in the universe. But before that, we kind of understand the students who thought Harry put his own name in the Goblet of Fire.

With the character of Harry, J.K. Rowling managed to send the whole jock archetype on a journey of redemption. Harry proves that jocks are not two-dimensional, stupid, arrogant and cruel. Just like in real life, each person is unique and has their own quirks and idiosyncrasies.

And if you are disappointed that the protagonist of your favorite book and movie series turned out not to be a nerd, take a closer look at Neville. His character is the classic nerd underdog. But that's a topic for an entirely different story.