Professor Umbridge is undeniably evil, and I don’t believe anyone would disagree with that. Her actions reflect a warped version of Voldemort’s eugenic ideals, particularly towards the Muggle-borns in the wizarding community. She inflicts pain on Hogwarts students, exemplified by her cruel punishment of making them write lines with their own blood. When she attempts to send Dementors after Harry, it also endangers Dudley, showcasing her bully mentality.
A thought-provoking question was posed recently on Reddit by user Gema23, which echoes Glinda from Wicked: “Are people born evil or do circumstances lead them to become evil?” Personally, I believe that no one is inherently evil; our actions stem from what we’ve learned throughout life. However, it’s clear that Harry Potter fans can be quite perceptive, and Umbridge’s negative inclinations seem to have emerged early in her life.
Regarding Quidditch, some fans believe that it’s worth exploring within the context of Hogwarts Legacy, given that it’s missing from the game. One Reddit user noted that Umbridge’s disdain for Muggles may be rooted in her own background, as her brother is described as a Muggle. Additionally, her half-blood status, with a magical father as a caretaker, may have contributed to her feelings of inferiority, especially since she was not a standout student at Hogwarts and lacked prominent positions.
It’s suggested that her insecurities transformed her character; once she gained authority, she began to bully students, allowing her low self-esteem to manifest as spitefulness towards those she viewed as more talented. Some speculate that Umbridge might even be unable to have children, which could amplify her bitterness about her life situation, resulting in her abuse of newfound power.
This exploration of her character is intriguing and could hint at possible developments in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot television series.
