On the Psychology of Slytherin Traits
The Harry Potter franchise is huge. According to author JK Rowling’s site Pottermore, over half a billion Harry Potter books have been sold worldwide.
Fans are immersed in wizarding life inside of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, where pupils start their journey by being sorted into one of four houses: Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house boasts their own traditions, values, and characteristics, modelled after one of the four founders of the school.
It’s irresistible for the reader to wonder to which house they would be assigned if they were presented with their Hogwarts letter at age 11. There is an allure to something magical like the Sorting Hat to know you better than you know yourself, revealing your true nature to you through house assignment. The internet has risen to the occasion, with many different online quizzes you can take to discover your true house as well (including my own quiz found HERE). But what does being a Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin really say about you? Read on…
What Traits Describe a Slytherin?
Slytherins are cunning. They are loyal and committed to their house. Slytherins are ambitious, display natural leadership, and highly resourceful. Many Slytherins have a good nose for funny business and are not afraid to be suspicious. They are quick to stand up for fellow Slytherins, caring greatly about what others think of them. Slytherins are comfortable on their own track, no need to bend to please other people. They like a challenge, and achievement of challenges is exciting. Slytherins are scrappy.
What Kind of Slytherin Are You?
Not all Slytherins are the same. Compare sometimes cowardly Draco Malfoy with disciplined and dependable Severus Snape.
These two characters differ in their conscientiousness. Conscientiousness is one of the Big Five personality traits, and it describes a tendency towards being organized, hard-working, following rules and being responsible. Slytherins all have the traits of cunning, ambition, and loyalty to their house, but can differ in how conscientious they are.
Both show classic Slytherin traits but are also very different. See how many of these questions you say yes to and we’ll figure out which kind of Slytherin you are.
So, which kind of Slytherin are you?
Dr. D
Fair Use Copyright Disclaimer
This content may contain references to copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as education and research. This site and the content made available through this video are for educational and informational purposes only.
