Many fans love Sirius Black.
He’s a memorable character who played an important role in Harry’s life.
However, he’s a lot more complex than you remember.
And he’s done some questionable things too.
Which begs the question…
Was Sirius Black good or bad?
Continue reading to discover:
- 5 reasons why Sirius Black was actually a good person.
- 5 things that prove Sirius Black was a lot worse than you remember.
- Why fans can’t help but defend Sirius Black and excuse his bad actions.
- And so much more…
Is Sirius Black good?
Sirius Black is good. He just had a rough childhood that affected him growing up. He also spent years in prison for a crime he never did. As a result, it took a toll on his mind and body. Most especially stunting his growth during his early adulthood. But Sirius Black always meant well.
A deep and complex character
I know it might seem crazy to ask.
But Sirius Black was a deep character.
He wasn’t like Harry Potter, who always chose to do good. And saw the kindness in everyone.
“Everybody has flaws. What makes it so different for Sirius Black?”
Well, his bad sides ran a bit too deep.
And no matter how difficult your life was…
It’s never an excuse for being irresponsible.
But how did things get so bad, you ask?
You see, the Blacks may have had quite a rich history.
In fact, their family reached back to the Middle Ages.
However, they weren’t exactly the best role models…
Because they looked down on muggles and muggle-borns.
The Blacks hated people who couldn’t use magic or those who came from impure families.
So even if Sirius Black never followed these beliefs…
It took a toll on him nonetheless.
What’s worse, Sirius was framed for the murder of 12 muggles.
And he spent the next 12 years in Azkaban…
Serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
As a result, Sirius Black became a broken man.
So it’s hard to say whether he’s simply good or bad.
Since he falls into this grey area with good sides…
But equally bad actions sometimes too.
5 reasons why Sirius Black is a good person
#1: He didn’t fall for his family’s evil beliefs
The Blacks were never the kindest wizarding family.
In fact, a lot of their evil beliefs ran deep in their roots.
For example, we have Phineas Nigellus Black.
He had a son who didn’t share the same views about muggles.
So what did Phineas do?
Well, he disowned his son and got rid of his name from the family tree.
In fact, Sirius Black faced the same treatment.
But he didn’t simply ignore his family’s beliefs.
Sirius actively forged his own path.
He made sure that his parents and his brother knew that he thought differently.
And that he wouldn’t follow down the same treacherous road that every other Black did.
So he put up banners of Gryffindor to show he was not like them.
Plus, Sirius also became the very first Black wizard to be sorted into Gryffindor too.
And his bravery in fighting evil traditions was proof that he was a good person.
#2: A loyal friend to James Potter
A strong friendship is a bond that can’t be broken.
Plus, a study shows it’s more than just being close too.
It’s also about supporting each other.
And it can even have a positive effect on a person’s well-being.
But what does this have to do with Sirius Black, you ask?
Well, he’s a very loyal friend to James Potter.
In fact, Sirius stuck with James through thick and thin.
And no matter tough things got…
Sirius always had James’ back.
For example, the 2 of them were together in the Order of the Phoenix.
And they fought together in this secret society during the 1st Wizarding War. A dangerous time when Voldemort rose to power.
So to have someone like that on your side no matter what happened…
It’s proof that Sirius Black was a good person.
#3: Always looked after Harry Potter
Harry wasn’t always strong.
And he started out as a young wizard like everybody else.
On top of that, he didn’t have anybody he could call family.
Plus, the Dursleys never took too kindly to Harry as well.
But can you guess who always had his back?
Well, it’s none other than Sirius Black.
He cared a lot for Harry Potter.
Sirius even sent Harry Potter a Firebolt. An amazing flying broomstick gift after Sirius learned that Harry broke the one he was using at the time.
What’s more, he even supported Harry’s struggle against Dolores Umbridge.
And Sirius Black was happy to help sabotage a dictator trying to rule over Hogwarts.
So given how much he looked after Harry Potter…
It’s a pretty good sign that he’s not a bad person.
#4: Offered his home as a secret headquarters
At the height of the 2nd Wizarding War…
The Order of the Phoenix didn’t have a place to hide from Voldemort’s return to power.
However, they wouldn’t be lost without a headquarters for long.
You see, Sirius Black offered his home, 12 Grimmauld Place in London.
And it became the perfect place to plan in secret.
But what made this action all the more important, you ask?
Well, Sirius Black hated the place.
It reminded him of nothing but his bad childhood.
In fact, a study shows trauma can have consequences on your adult life.
And it would’ve taken a lot of strength from Sirius to even suggest the idea.
And yet even with his trouble past…
Sirius Black can always see the bigger picture.
He still donated his home to the Order of the Phoenix.
#5: Sacrificed his life to save Harry Potter
Last but not least, we can’t forget his sacrifice.
You see, when Sirius Black found out that Harry Potter got ambushed.
He didn’t waste a second and went straight to save Harry.
And right before Harry Potter and his friends were backed into a corner…
Sirius Black came to their rescue alongside the Order of the Phoenix.
Sadly, despite his efforts to save Harry Potter.
Sirius couldn’t save himself.
And Bellatrix Lestrange landed the killing blow…
Pushing Sirius into the Veil of the Death Chamber. The barrier between life and death.
In fact, it’s 1 of the saddest scenes in the film. And I strongly recommend watching it again:
But despite how tragic the outcome was…
It’s proof that Sirius Black was a good person.
Since he gave up his life to save his godson, Harry Potter.
5 reasons why Sirius Black is a bad person
#1: Always bullied Snape
Although it might sound crazy…
Especially if you know Sirius Black’s good deeds.
He’s actually a bully.
And during his time at Hogwarts.
He wouldn’t stop tormenting Severus Snape.
For example, Sirius even sent Snape to the Shrieking Shack.
An abandoned house that Remus Lupin used to hide his werewolf transformation.
And if it weren’t for James Potter saving Snape at the very last second.
Severus would’ve died at that very moment.
Because werewolves are dangerous creatures.
In fact, it’s 1 of the reasons why Snape became a Death Eater.
He felt like he belonged with other Dark Wizards.
So who’s to blame for feeling bad?
Well, Sirius Black was a big reason behind it.
And if you push someone to take a wrong decision in their life.
You’re definitely a bad person.
#2: He treated Kreacher badly
The Blacks had a house-elf named Kreacher.
And as he served the family…
Kreacher soon followed many of the beliefs.
For example, he held blood purity in high regard.
And when Sirius Black didn’t share the same views…
Kreacher called Sirius a “blood traitor”.
However, Sirius didn’t simply ignore the elf.
He was actually very harsh on him.
He treated Kreacher as if he was nothing.
And Sirius Black ordered him around without any care for the house-elf.
Because, in his eyes, Kreacher was just as evil as his family.
However, the house-elf never deserved any of that bad treatment.
And Sirius Black’s past isn’t an excuse to be mean toward Kreacher.
So to see Sirius resort to being mean…
He might not be as kind as you remember.
#3: Ruined the Fat Lady’s portrait
When Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban…
He went straight to Hogwarts.
However, his methods of gaining entry were ruthless.
And when Sirius couldn’t get inside the Gryffindor common room…
He ruined the Fat Lady’s portrait to gain entry.
In fact, Sirius tore it so much that no other painting wanted to take its place.
And no good person would intentionally do something so harmful.
#4: Reckless and immature
Prison time can have long-term consequences.
In fact, research shows it can harm your mental health. Such as causing early signs of depression.
However, it shouldn’t excuse Sirius Black for being reckless and immature.
For example, he’d put himself at risk of getting caught by authorities when he went to see Harry Potter.
Or even compare Harry to his father, James, when the younger did something Sirius didn’t like.
And that behavior’s not what you expect from a good person.
#5: He broke Ron Weasley’s leg
Many fans understand that Sirius just wanted to keep Harry safe.
So when he found out that Peter Pettigrew disguised himself as Ron Weasley’s pet rat…
It’s not a surprise to see Sirius do everything he can to reach Mr. Pettigrew.
But were his methods reasonable?
Sadly, they weren’t.
In fact, when finally caught up to the rat…
Ron was fighting for his dear life to keep him safe.
So did Sirius stop and look for another opportunity?
No, he dragged Ron with Pettigrew.
And Sirius pulled so hard that it broke Ron Weasley’s leg.
Conclusion: Is Sirius Black bad?
Sirius Black is not bad. He just made rash decisions due to his past. Sirius also spent most of his life inside Azkaban. As a result, he tried to relive his youth through Harry and his friends. But he never meant any harm. And his sacrifice to save Harry is the ultimate proof of his kindness.