This paper compares and contrasts two key characters from the popular Harry Potter series about the process of becoming a leader and hero through two leadership theories. Harry, known as the "Chosen One", is viewed as a natural leader and hero based on the trait theory (Fleenor, 2006). In contrast, Neville, who is considered a leader and hero in the latter part of the series, is believed to have undergone training and acquired leadership skills, which aligns with behavioral theory (Khan et al., 2016). This study analyzes the factors contributing to their leadership development, including family backgrounds, personal experiences, critical events, and relationships with others portrayed in the series. The result shows that the combination of natural qualities and external influences shapes their development as leaders, which highlights the complexity of leadership development. The alignment and misalignment of Harry and Neville's journeys with the trait and behavioral theories of leadership in the Harry Potter series provide valuable insights for leadership education among young people. By examining the characters' experiences and identifying the factors contributing to their development as leaders, educators can develop more effective leadership curriculum and programs that incorporate stories of protagonists from popular culture who become leaders in different paths. This paper calls for more research on leadership theories in popular culture for children and adolescents, highlighting the importance of leadership education and inspiring young people to become leaders in their own lives.

Authors:
Xinhang Hermione Hu, University of Maryland, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Xinhang Hermione Hu is a Ph.D. student of Applied Linguistics and Language Education at the University of Maryland. Her research interests are transnational migration and intercultural communication.

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