Draco

[montavilla47]

No: HPFGUIDX 177401

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "prep0strus" <prep0strus at ...> wrote:
>
> There’s been a lot of discussion about Draco, and I’d like to know
> what would make anyone identify with him or like him.

Speaking only for myself, it made an impression on me when, in the 
first book, Draco was rejected by Harry.  On one hand, it's perfectly
clear why Harry does so, and I was happy that he stood by his new
friend, Ron, and refused to let another person insult him.

On the other, it was obvious that Draco was stung by Harry's reply.
So, when I looked at that exchange on rereading the books, it 
struck me that Draco didn't instantly dislike Harry.  It was a 
stupid, arrogant way of offering friendship.  But it was an offer.  
And  I liked him for it.

In CoS, we get a glimpse of Draco and his father, and see that 
Draco isn't actually spoiled.  He doesn't get everything he wants
from his  parents (in contrast to Dudley, who does), and he had to 
live up to some high standards--his father expects him to 
outclass  every  other student in school.  (From this moment, a 
million  fanfics  in  which Draco is systemically tortured by Lucius 
were inspired).

Another reason to like him.

Third, he's pretty funny.  I don't get so much into his Potter 
Stinks badges or the Weasley Is Our King song, but Draco's 
usually good for a laugh whenever he shows up.  

Fourth, in GoF, his exchange with the Trio is both funny and
ambiguous.  Is he making fun of Hermione or trying to warn 
her?  (From this moment, a million Draco/Hermione fanfics 
were inspired.)

Finally, while Draco never seemed to care much about 
other people up until HBP, there was definitely something
going on in that book with him.  He did a lot of growing 
up, and went from being a gloater to suffering fear and
remorse about the idea of having to kill someone he had
been raised to think of as the enemy.

A character who changes is usually more interesting than
a character who doesn't.

So, I don't identify with Draco's wealth, looks, clothes, or
political views.  I don't admire any of them (except maybe
the clothes).  But I empathize with his struggle to find his
own way that incorporates his parents' worldview with 
his own thoughts and feelings. 

And I enjoy his humor.

Montavilla47