Stereotypes (was Re: Female Characters and Mentoring (WAS SS/PS Chapter Twelve Summary))

[Jason Bailey]

No: HPFGUIDX 29087

CC> I was wondering about something, though.  It seems to me that (in
CC> some cases) if a character is not the product of a bunch of gender 
CC> stereotypes, then the character in most instances ought to work 
CC> equally well if labeled as a male or a female.

I've never understood why people dislike stereotyping in literature
and movies. I find it to be quite an effective tool. By using a
stereotype you save character development time. Take Hermione for
example, up until Ron and Harry befriend her she is the stereotypical
ms-know-it-all. Once we she enters Harry's circle, we see more
character development.

Maybe I'm an odd-ball, but I often pigeon-hole people into stereotypes
when I haven't gotten to know them well (Generally I liken them to
sitcom characters). Then as I get to know them I start replacing the
stereotypical description with a more realistic description.

Let's face it, these books would be quite dull if they went into long
character developments right off the bat. I much prefer the stereotype
up front and the slow disbursement of their real personalities. I'm
glad that Crabbe & Goyle are portrayed as henchmen or thugs, it makes
it easier to remember who they are...I also like the fact that they
are treated as one entity.

I think Snape is far more interesting having been first established as
the tyrannical potions master who hates Harry and must be evil, and
then have the complexities of his personality emerge as the story line
continues.

In short, I believe that stereotypes are helpful in developing a large
cast of characters...I believe JKR has done a great job of making
further character developments as needed.

Jason, who hopes that Fluer isn't really going to be the next DADA
teacher...