The Best (And Worst) Gryffindor Traits
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If someone asks you to name a Hogwarts house, Gryffindor is likely the first to come to mind. It’s the house that Harry Potter himself is in, and the one we learn the most about throughout the books and the movies. But while we recognize Gryffindors’ bravery and valor, there’s more to this house than meets the eye—and that means both pros and cons. Read on to find out the best and worst Gryffindor traits.
RELATED: The Best (And Worst) Hufflepuff Traits .
What Does It Mean to Be a Gryffindor?
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Gryffindor was founded by its namesake, Godric Gryffindor, and is represented by the lion and the colors scarlet and gold. Godric valued the bravest and boldest Hogwarts students, and it’s rumored that his hat was the one that became the official Sorting Hat used to determine which house each student belongs in. His sword is another valuable artifact that can present itself to any worthy Gryffindor in need.
Godric was known for his accepting nature and interest in teaching Muggle-born students, differing from one of his fellow founders, Salazar Slytherin. As such, this house is filled with students who will always stand up for what’s right and challenge those who disagree.
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The Best Gryffindor Traits
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Gryffindors are brave.
No list of Gryffindor traits is complete without mention of their bravery. Harry is best known for this, as are his best friends and fellow Gryffindors, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Across seven books and eight movies, the trio take on fierce opponents to defend the magical world, never backing down from a challenge.
Harry’s parents, both Gryffindors as well, also bravely gave up their lives to save their son from Lord Voldemort. And when the time came for the Battle of Hogwarts, Gryffindors were the first to stand up and say they were ready to fight.
On a smaller scale, we have to follow the lead of Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and give kudos to Neville Longbottom, who is brave enough to stand up to his friends when they’re going to break the rules yet again.
Gryffindors are loyal.
Another trait Gryffindors have no shortage of is loyalty. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the best examples of devotion to one another throughout the series. Much like Hufflepuffs, witches and wizards in this house would not typically have their loyalty called into question.
Gryffindors aren’t just loyal to their friends either—they’re loyal to the causes they care about. Hermione clearly shows this, as she fights to bring attention to the mistreatment of house elves in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . She even starts her own organization, the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.) to advocate for their rights.
Gryffindors are intelligent.
Gryffindors are smart, too. While he’s not necessarily the best student, Harry’s intelligence is somewhat underestimated throughout the series—he’s truly talented at thinking on his feet. Who can forget when he destroyed Tom Riddle’s diary by stabbing it with a basilisk fang?
Naturally, we have to point to other Gryffindor smarties, including Professor Minerva McGonagall, Ginny Weasley, Dumbledore, and everyone’s favorite know-it-all (in the best way) Hermione. There’s no problem Hermione can’t sort out, from making the extremely complicated Polyjuice Potion in her second year to figuring out a way to destroy Horcruxes.
Gryffindors are ambitious.
There’s no shortage of ambition in Gryffindor—just take Fred and George Weasley. Following one too many run-ins with Dolores Umbridge, the twins decide to drop out of Hogwarts to pursue their dreams of starting a joke shop. And while their mother, Molly Weasley, might not have been thrilled about them leaving school, the joke shop ends up becoming a wild success: a true testament to their drive and skill as businessmen.
Dumbledore was also known for his ambitious goals throughout life. And while Harry sometimes doubts himself, he has the dream of becoming an auror and ends up succeeding.
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Gryffindors are natural defenders.
In addition to displaying bravery, Gryffindors are chivalrous and always ready to stand up for others. This was a core belief of Godric Gryffindor that Harry clearly values, too. He’s there for Neville, who is constantly being bullied—especially in The Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry stands up to Draco Malfoy and wins back the stolen Remembrall. He also cares for the house elf Dobby and even wins him his freedom from the abusive Malfoy family.
While Harry doesn’t necessarily need defending, Ron is typically there to back up his best friend whenever Harry’s integrity is being questioned. Ron’s younger sister Ginny isn’t afraid of a conflict either. She takes on Draco early in the series when he insults Harry at the Flourish and Blotts bookstore.
Gryffindors are kind.
Along with their willingness to stand up for others, Gryffindors are kind. With a few exceptions, most in this house typically treat others how they would want to be treated. Lily Potter is recognized for her fair treatment of everyone, including her best friend, Severus Snape, who ends up in Slytherin. The Weasley family, as a whole, displays unfailing kindness to Harry throughout the series, essentially taking him in as one of their own.
Despite his flaws, Dumbledore is also a kind and just leader at Hogwarts—and even more admirably, he shows the same amount of kindness and respect to people he dislikes.
Gryffindors are daring.
Gryffindors love a little bit of adventure, and they’re willing to take risks when it’s required. Harry, of course, steps up when the situation calls for it, regardless of what the consequences might be. He also founds and leads Dumbledore’s Army (after some coaxing from Hermione) in defiance of Dolores Umbridge, inspiring others to take a risk and fight back as well.
Gryffindors know how to have a good time.
While they’re going to be stoic and strong when necessary, Gryffindors also like a good party. They love to celebrate a Quidditch win, and the Weasley twins are always going to make people laugh with their jokes and pranks. Ginny, too, is quick-witted and funny, which certainly made her popular during her time at Hogwarts. And when it comes to indulging, Hagrid is always up for a drink and a good time at the local pub.
RELATED: The Best (And Worst) Ravenclaw Traits .
The Worst Gryffindor Traits
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Gryffindors always want to be the hero.
We love the brave and chivalrous Gryffindors, but sometimes, their need to be the hero is a bit much.
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , the young heroes head to the Ministry of Magic without consulting anyone or really understanding the gravity of the situation. Thankfully, adult members of the Order of the Phoenix show up when the students are met by Death Eaters. But they probably would have been better prepared had Harry not acted on impulse, feeling the desperate need to save his godfather, Sirius Black.
In The Goblet of Fire , Harry also goes out of his way to save Fleur Delacour’s sister in addition to Ron during the second task. While he is awarded second-place points for his bravery, his fellow contestants aren’t exactly thrilled with his need to be the hero.
Gryffindors can be stubborn.
Another negative Gryffindor trait is stubbornness. Ron is known to be a bit inflexible at times, especially when his insecurities are getting the best of him. When Harry’s name is pulled from the Goblet of Fire, Ron is convinced Harry betrayed him and found a way to enter the competition and left him out on purpose. It’s not until he realizes how dangerous the competition is that he comes around and understands that Harry wouldn’t have entered willingly.
When it comes to their love story, both Ron and Hermione’s stubbornness and inability to communicate their feelings delay their happiness longer than necessary.
Gryffindors have short tempers.
One of Harry’s major flaws is his temper, which he loses on a few different occasions. (However, can we really blame him for going off on Aunt Marge when she slanders his parents?) Ron has a bit of a temper as well, particularly when it’s fueled by his own insecurities and jealousy. He unfairly chides Hermione at the Yule Ball for going with Viktor Krum in The Goblet of Fire , and in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , he picks a fight with both Harry and Hermione when the locket (which is a Horcrux) convinces him that something is going on between his friends.
Fellow Gryffindor Cormac McLaggen also displays his temper in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince , losing it when Harry won’t give him a second Quidditch tryout.
Gryffindors are reckless.
Going somewhat hand-in-hand with their daring nature, Gryffindors don’t always think before they act. Harry displays this during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, as well as back in his first year when he risks potential expulsion to secure Neville’s Remembrall. That same year, he and Ron decide to take on a troll themselves rather than seek help from teachers.
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Gryffindors can be lazy.
Even though Gryffindors are typically up for a challenge, they’re not always at the ready. Ron exudes laziness quite often in terms of his schoolwork, expecting Hermione to help him with every assignment—or even to complete it for him. In The Goblet of Fire , Harry also procrastinates while competing in the Triwizard Tournament: The night before the second task, he’s still unsure how he’s going to breathe underwater for an hour.
Gryffindors can be conceited.
Noble Gryffindors can be a bit pompous at times. Cormac McLaggen is particularly prone to boasting about his Quidditch skills and is over-confident and pushy in pursuing Hermione. He’s not exactly a team player, consistently offering unsolicited advice to other players on the Quidditch pitch rather than focusing on the game. James Potter is also described as being fairly arrogant, bullying his peers during his time at Hogwarts.
Gryffindors are sometimes power-hungry.
Gryffindors aren’t necessarily known for their modesty either. While Harry doesn’t really want any fame as “The Boy Who Lived,” his mentor, Dumbledore, once desired power more than anything. Percy Weasley also shuns his family as he attempts to climb the ranks at the Ministry of Magic. Percy always wants to be in charge, starting as a Gryffindor Prefect and later becoming Head Boy.
Gryffindors can be mean.
Kindness is certainly a trait that Gryffindors exude, but they are human, and they can be cruel at times. James, Sirius, and Remus Lupin display this in their treatment of Snape while they are all at Hogwarts. Ginny, too, isn’t all that kind to Fleur when she finds out that she’s going to be marrying her brother Bill.
We can’t ignore Peter Pettigrew when it comes to the bad apples of Gryffindor. One of the few Gryffindors to become a Death Eater, he betrayed his friends Lily and James and allowed Voldemort to murder them.
RELATED: 20 Harry Potter Quotes to Get You Through Any Situation .
Notable Gryffindors
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- Harry Potter: The protagonist of the series who ends up saving the wizarding world from Voldemort.
- Ron Weasley: Harry’s best friend and fellow Gryffindor, known for his bravery, strength, and sense of humor.
- Hermione Granger: One of the brightest witches and Harry’s other best friend. Hermione is exceedingly loyal and a natural problem solver.
- Albus Dumbledore: Headmaster of Hogwarts and one of the greatest wizards of all time. It is rumored that Dumbledore is the only wizard Voldemort ever feared.
- Minerva McGonagall: Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, transfiguration professor, and head of Gryffindor house. Professor McGonagall is stern but fair, and someone Harry greatly respects.
- Godric Gryffindor: The founder of Gryffindor who valued bravery and chivalry.
Conclusion
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Like other Hogwarts houses, Gryffindors have their pros and cons. While they are always standing up for others and down for a challenge, sometimes their “bravery” is actually reckless and lands them in trouble.
Still, this house is home to Harry Potter, as well as several of the greatest witches and wizards of the modern age. Being sorted into Gryffindor is certainly an honor, and a perfect fit for “those brave at heart,” as the Sorting Hat says.
Best Life is your source for entertainment news and fun content about personality traits. Please visit us again soon for more trivia from the Harry Potter franchise!
The 10 Best Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip
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Packing up the car and heading out on a road trip is a rite of passage. Many of us remember our first road trip as a kid, when we loaded up our suitcases to venture out toward a new destination. Maybe you also hit the road with friends after college, or have taken your kids on a road trip of their own, seeing the sites or exploring different national parks . But if you’re spending hours in the car—no matter who you’re with—you need something to pass the time. Music and podcast episodes can only cover so many miles, which is why you might be in the market for an audiobook.
According to Hayley Yager , bookstagrammer and blogger of Backpacking Bookworm , there are a few key factors that go into selecting the right audiobook for a road trip. To maximize your listening experience, she recommends looking for “engaging and authentic narrators,” who will keep your attention. Second, consider the genres or types of books you’re most interested in. Podcast-lovers might prefer a non-fiction pick, and if you’ve always wanted to learn about some historical or contemporary figure, a biography or memoir could be a great option. Fiction is also a great option, and you’ll find a plethora of different stories that you can immerse yourself in on a long drive.
If you’re having trouble making the right call, travel experts and book bloggers have recommended some of their top audiobook choices, which you can either purchase or borrow from your local library. Read on to find out what you should be listening to while on the road.
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Anything by renowned nonfiction author Bill Bryson is worth a read or a listen. He writes about complex concepts—including the intricacies of the human body and the history of the universe—but does so in an accessible, often comical way. Of Bryson’s many worthy reads, Anthony Presti , travel writer of ValueQuack, recommends The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America .
“Follow Bill on his cross-country road trip in the United States. From the backwoods of Kentucky to the badlands of South Dakota, Bryson covers it all in this hilarious account of his journey,” Presti says.
Bryson travels across 38 states in total over the course of the travelogue, as he searches for the perfect small American town—and you’ll be waiting to see if he finds it. “If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud book to listen to on your road trip, this is the one for you,” Presti says. “It is one of the funniest books you’ll ever read, whether at home or on the road.”
Random House Audio
If you love a good modern mystery, The Flight Attendant is a solid choice for your next road trip. Full of suspense, this story follows Cassie, a binge drinker who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. It’s also been turned into a popular show on HBO Max, so you can engage in the age-old debate of book versus TV series when you’re done listening.
“Why not infuse a little ‘travel talk’ into your travels? With the release of the new HBO show based on this novel, I wanted to give the book a try before watching it,” Bryan Mullennix , founder of the travel website Feeling Vegas, explains. “It’s a suspenseful novel and makes for a good road trip audiobook because of how it is written and also the fact that it kind of relates to travel.”
This audiobook has three narrators, meaning you’ll hear different voices for different characters in this chilling and thrilling read. Looking for something even darker? You might want to opt for Yager’s thriller pick, The Night Swim by Megan Goldin .
Macmillan Audio
If you just want to be transported to another world, let TJ Klune take you there by listening to Under T he Whispering Door . Klune has quickly become a mainstay in the fantasy genre, often featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Under The Whispering Door also adds a splash of romance, humor, and some more intense themes of grief and loss.
John Hubbard , founder and CEO of the outdoor blog Urban Dare, recommends Under The Whispering Door if you want something that will truly keep your attention. “The audiobook gives you all types of feeling with every character’s unique and suitable voice,” he explains, adding that Kirt Graves , a well known audiobook reader and audio producer, narrates. “It provides a great message from life and love to death with its lovable characters.”
Hubbard recommends this for a long drive, “as it will take some time to understand the deep questions Klune’s tale poses throughout.” The audiobook has a listening length of 14 hours and 54 minutes, so it’ll get you through a good stretch of your trip. “Some listeners might find the audiobook a bit slow at the start,” he notes. “It is better to listen at 1.5 speed until you begin to understand the plot of the story.”
Random House Audio
If you’re choosing a memoir for a long-haul drive, Yager recommends selecting one that is recorded by the author. “In my experience, stories are brought more to life when read by the person who knows the book better than anyone,” she tells Best Life , suggesting Becoming by Michelle Obama as a notable choice.
The former First Lady narrates her memoir, discussing her childhood all the way through her time in the White House and after. You’ll feel connected to Obama when listening to her tell her story, and if you needed any more convincing, she won the 2020 Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for her audio edition of the book.
If you’ve already checked Becoming off of your reading list—it was, after all, the best-selling book of 2018—Presti also recommends Barack Obama’s 2020 memoir A Promised Land . “It chronicles his upbringing, his time in office, and the challenges he faced throughout his presidency,” he says. “It’s an inspiring story that will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated—perfect for a road trip where anything can happen.”
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One of the most beloved series of all time centers on a young wizard named Harry Potter. The stories have captivated young and old readers alike since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was first published in 1997. Presti recommends this audiobook for your next trip on the open road, especially if you’ve got your kids in tow.
“If you’re looking for a book the whole family can enjoy on your road trip, look no further than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ,” he explains. “With its magic, adventure, and suspense, this book is sure to keep everyone entertained on a long car ride.”
As The Sorcerer’s Stone is the first installment in the seven-part series, you might also want to bring Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets along as well, just in case the kids (or you) can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Macmillan Audio
While you can’t watch a rom-com while you’re driving, you can certainly listen to one. Yager recommends The Switch , which is set in the U.K. and features a plot line that might remind you a little of the movie The Holiday . The story focuses on a newly-single grandmother looking for love in the rural town of Yorkshire and her granddaughter, who has become exhausted by life in London. The two decide to switch places, and drama, romance, and comedy ensue.
The audiobook is read by two English actors, Daisy Edgar-Jones , of Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing , and Alison Steadman , award-winning stage, film, and television star.
“This is an easy and light listen with two celebrity narrators, which evokes familiarity,” Yager says. “The chapters are the perfect length, enabling you to get invested in one storyline before moving on to the next when the narrators switch.”
You can listen to this 10-hour audiobook on a longer drive, but Yager notes that you can also “dip in and out for shorter trips.”
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Random House Audio
Some stories are classics for a reason, and even if you haven’t picked up a copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , odds are you’ve heard of it. First published in 1979, it was adapted from author Douglas Adams’ radio series and follows the journey of the only man to survive after earth is destroyed.
“Full of laughs, science fiction, and awesome ’70s and ’80s references, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is the perfect audiobook for a road trip,” Tim White , CEO and founder of the travel site MilePro, says. This pick is more “lighthearted,” he adds, making it a good choice for those who don’t want an audiobook that’s too intense.
The book is just under six hours long, White points out, making it optimal for shorter journeys. It’s also narrated by English actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry , so you might recognize a familiar voice.
Harlequin Audio
Another one of Yager’s fiction picks is The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman , which has all the necessary components of a family comedy—think Little Miss Sunshine with a twist.
“This is the perfect road trip listen as the book itself revolves around a family taking a detour-heavy road trip up to Edinburgh so 12-year-old Norman can perform at the Fringe,” she says.
For those unfamiliar with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, it’s the largest arts festival in the world, dating back to 1947. In this contemporary fiction novel, young Norman is hoping to take his comedy act to center stage at the event. “It’s an absolute rollercoaster of one hilarious feat after another, yet still manages to retain every ounce of authenticity,” Yager says. “It’s a feel-good book that anyone can enjoy, making it perfect for a long road trip.”
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Hachette Audio
For those who want an audiobook that is chock-full of different stories, check out David Sedaris’ When You Are Engulfed in Flames .
“If you’re looking for a more introspective, thought-provoking read, When You Are Engulfed in Flames is the book for you,” Presti tells Best Life .
Sedaris narrates the audiobook himself, and you’re sure to be entertained by his wit as he covers topics that range from ridiculous to deeply insightful. “It’s a hilarious and poignant look at the human condition that will have you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading,” Presti says. “Follow as David travels the world and tries to make sense of it all.”
Random House Audio
Ernest Cline’s fantastic 2011 novel Ready Player One is a must-read—or listen, in this case—for anyone interested in gaming, virtual reality, or just science fiction in general.
“If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun book to keep you entertained on a road trip, look no further than Ready Player One ,” Presti says. “This science fiction novel follows the story of Wade Watts, a teenager who finds himself thrust into a virtual world in search of an Easter egg that will grant its finder ultimate power and control over the world. Along the way, he makes allies and enemies as he fights to be the first to find the egg.”
The novel has also been adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg , but the book has significant differences. S0, even if you’ve seen the movie, you should still give the book a go. “It will have you laughing, crying, and cheering—the perfect way to pass the time on a long car ride,” Presti says.
