Why Are ‘Harry Potter’ Fans So Obsessed With Neville Longbottom?
Throughout the Harry Potter series, there are many characters who go through extensive development. One such character is Neville Longbottom. Neville goes from a shy nerdy boy to a brave young man. Is this why fans like him so much?
His development probably does play a role in why he’s such a fan favorite. Yet there are definitely other factors that are important as well. What are they? You’re about to find out.
Why do fans love Neville?
The Harry Potter series is full of interesting characters. So what is it that makes Neville stand out? Perhaps it’s his humility. Neville is not the type to brag about how wonderful he is nor is he the type of person to be necessarily thought of as amazing by others.
At least, not at first. The more people get to know Neville, however, the more they like him. And that probably includes fans as well.
What else might fans like about Neville?
Neville is a very important character. He could have been the Chosen One if Voldemort had thought he was the threat. He is also important to fans, having “quite a following” within the Harry Potter fan base. Why is this?
Besides his humility, what do fans love about Neville Longbottom? One answer is that he shows a realistic vision of bravery. Neville “is what most Gryffindors would be like in the real world, a person capable of heroic feats under dire circumstances, but not inclined to them every waking moment.” Fans can relate to Neville because he is not always the bravest person but he does have a lot of bravery within him.
He doesn’t like to flaunt his strength. He only uses it when he has to. Neville doesn’t toot his own horn a lot, but if you’re in trouble he will be there for you. He is a very reliable person, someone you can count on.
Harry thinks of Neville as a loyal friend. He’s there whenever Harry needs him.
Why is Neville Longbottom so important in ‘Harry Potter’?
Neville, as we’ve mentioned before, could have been the Chosen One if Voldemort had seen him as a threat. Now that we’re on the topic of Voldemort, Neville played a crucial role in defeating the Dark Lord. Without Neville, Nagini and the Horcrux inside her would have never been destroyed. He plays a role similar to Peter Pettigrew except he is far braver.
While Peter let his insecurities get the better of him, Neville doesn’t. Instead, he is determined to learn magic as well as he can and to help others as much as possible. During the events of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Neville joins Dumbledore’s Army and later accompanies Harry to the Department of Mysteries. This proves that for Neville, Dumbledore’s Army is about more than just making friends and learning magic.
It is “about knowing when to put your life on the line.” And Neville does just that, even facing Bellatrix Lestrange, who tortured his parents.
Neville Longbottom is a very admirable character. It’s easy to see why Harry Potter fans love him so much, and how he stands out amidst the crowd.
