Official Philip Nel Discussion Question #2 - Pettigrew!

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 37898

>>Dr. Nel asked:

Consider the character of Wormtail (aka Peter Pettigrew). What
motivates him? <<<

I think the key to Peter's character is this passage: 

"Pettigrew burst into tears. It was horrible to watch: he looked like 
an oversized, balding baby, cowering on the floor."
	                        ---PoA, chapter 19

IMO, Pettigrew is very much a baby. He doesn't understand or 
want responsibility or independence. He simply can't conceive of  
existing apart from a protector.  It's ironic that his refusal to grow 
up, a la *Peter* Pan, eventually puts him in the position of 
nursemaid to the infantile Voldemort. 

I don't think this refusal to grow up indicates a want of courage. 
Peter the putative Gryffindor is actually quite bold in defense of 
his protectors: he attacks Goyle, who must be a hundred times 
his size, he takes on Crouch Sr, whom Sirius says is quite 
powerful magically, and, as others have noted, he has the 
physical courage to cut off his own hand. 

It seems  that Peter's mother, at least, was strongly attached to 
him. Perhaps Peter's parents overindulged him the way the 
Dursleys indulge Dudley, and Peter simply never learned the 
value of independence. 

I think that  Harry will be a catalyst. Because of Harry,  Peter will 
realize that he can act on his own behalf. This action will repay 
the life debt and be as crucial to Voldemort's downfall as Peter's 
betrayal was to James'.

Pippin