Newt Scamander: A Different Kind of Hero in the Wizarding World of ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Series

Fans of the ‘Harry Potter’ world were first exposed to a new type of protagonist in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series: Newt Scamander.  Newt is an introverted, compassionate magizoologist whose greatest power is compassion rather than combat prowess, in contrast to the heroic, battle-hardened protagonists usually found in fantasy literature.

 Newt stays away from violence whenever possible, in contrast to Harry Potter, who is frequently thrown into action-packed battles with evil powers.  Protecting and caring for magical beings is his first priority, and he frequently runs afoul of those who would take advantage of or hurt them.  What distinguishes him from other wizards is his empathy.  Whether they are fellow wizards like Credence Barebone or strange beasts, he finds beauty in misunderstood creatures.

Newt's intelligence and ingenuity are also what make him a special hero.  He solves issues with understanding, patience, and wisdom rather than force.  He uses ingenuity and talent to get out of perilous situations throughout ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ and its sequels, frequently leveraging his in-depth knowledge of magical animals to do so.

Image Courtesy: Wizarding World

 Newt's social shyness is another important facet of his personality.  He is neither a fearless fighter like Harry nor a charismatic leader like Dumbledore.  Rather, he is a calm, perceptive person who succeeds in his own unique manner.  His devotion to his pals, especially Tina, Jacob, and Queenie, demonstrates his strong moral character and concern for other people.

A welcome change from conventional wizarding heroes is Newt Scamander.  His tale demonstrates that being a hero involves more than just fighting and showing courage; it also involves showing compassion, empathy, and the guts to stand up for what is right, even if it means only defending the animals he cares about.

–Farheen Ali