Oliver Wood

[David <dfrankiswork@netscape.net>]

No: HPFGUIDX 51492

Eileen wrote:

> I was basing my original statement on the fact that
> Oliver Wood mentions in PoA that he was hoping Cho
> Chang's injuries would mean the Ravenclaws couldn't
> field her as the Seeker. After all, Hogwarts does have
> reserves.  And then there's that dream that Harry
> didn't show up and Neville had to play Seeker. 

and elsewhere mentione 'issues' with Oliver Wood.  Elkins spoke 
of 'flat-lining' - possibly only in reference to his appearance, 
which IIRC is 'stocky'.

Before I start, a confession: I haven't read all the 'Characters I 
don't like' posts.  I have run a quick search on Oliver, though, and 
it seems nobody mentions him in that connection.

I do think Oliver Wood is one of several characters who are 
presented as generally decent people who nevertheless have quirks of 
behaviour that are questionable.

The one quoted by Eileen above is one - (again IIRC) the text points 
out that Wood does not want Cho to recover.

A similar incident is when he asks McGonagall for the Firebolt on 
Harry's behalf, and says he suggested that it wouldn't matter if it 
hurt (killed?) Harry provided he got the Snitch first.  Again, the 
text, via his reference to McGonagall, points out his recklessness.

Only slightly less obvious is the way he shows disregard for the 
personal situation of his team members, notably Harry, in POA.  The 
Dementors are a tactical problem to be fixed: he gives no sign of 
caring about their deeper effect on Harry.

If OW were a pal at the pub, he would be a nice enough, if slightly 
boring companion.  If he were one's boss, he could be a nightmare.

I don't hate Wood, or AFAIK any HP character.  In fact I quite like 
him, and I see him as being for the most part played sympathetically 
for laughs in the text.

If he were to return, I think he has enough of a question mark over 
him to make him useful in developing the ambiguities of the plot.

David