Summary
Cedric Diggory is mainly remembered for his tragic death in the Triwizard Tournament, but there’s a lot more to know about the beloved wizard. After being selected by the Goblet of Fire to represent Hogwarts in that year’s Triwizard Tournament, Cedric was first introduced duringHarry Potterand the Goblet of Fire. Despite his brief amount of screen-time, Cedric quickly became a fan-favorite character. However, the young wizard’s life was cut tragically short when he was murdered by Death Eaters duringGoblet of Fire’sshocking finale.
Interestingly, the books introduced Cedric’s character earlier on in the franchise, givingHarry Potterfans more of a chance to get to know Hogwarts’ esteemed champion. Cedric’s infamous association with Voldemort’s return renders him a hugely significant figure in the franchise, but the movies sadly glossed over details of Cedric’s life, which would’ve revealed his family history and could’ve suggested why the wizard was sorted into Hufflepuff – a question which has often perplexedHarry Potterfans.
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When Was Cedric’s Character Introduced in the Books?
In the books, Cedric was first introduced inHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Although his character was overshadowed by the Golden Trio, readers could still interpret a lot of information about Cedric’s personality. His name was frequently mentioned by his peers, establishing the character’s esteemed reputation. ThroughoutPrisoner of Azkaban’sbook, Cedric was always surrounded by a loyal group of friends, proving the character’s notorious popularity. InGoblet of Fire’sbook when Cedric’s name is called out forthe Triwizard Tournament, the following commotion showcases his popularity: “the applause for Cedric went on so long that it was some time before Dumbledore could make himself heard again”.
Prisoner of Azkaban’sbook also established Cedric’stalent for Quidditch, which was neglected by the movies. Cedric’s exceptional Quidditch abilities were showcased during his fifth year at Hogwarts when he was made Captain of Hufflepuff’s Quidditch team. Like Harry, Cedric also played the role of Seeker. AmidPrisoner of Azkaban’saction, Cedric and Harry went head-to-head in Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff’s Quidditch match. The dramatic match notoriously took place in stormy conditions, resulting in a struggle for both teams.
However, the match abruptly came to a halt when Cedric and Harry battled against each other to catch the Golden Snitch, but Harry was knocked off his broomby a Dementor. Interestingly, this scene was included inPrisoner of Azkaban’s2004 movie, but Cedric was an unnamed character and was played by Joe Livermore, rather than Robert Pattinson, who took over the role ahead ofGoblet of Fire. Unaware of what had happened to Harry, Cedric managed to catch the Golden Snitch, winning the game. However, when he found out about the Dementor’s interference, he offered to replay the match – a true testament of Cedric’s kindness.
As the movies hinted at, Cedric’s popularity largely stemmed from the character being perceived as good-looking, which is evoked byGoblet of Fire’sbook describing him as “extremely handsome”. InPrisoner of Azkaban’sbook, he is often gossiped about by his female peers. When Oliver Wood, Gryffindor’s Quidditch Captain at the time, announced that Cedric was going to become Hufflepuff’s new Captain, the Quidditch team abruptly started gossiping. When Oliver asked what the commutation was about,Angelina Johnsonexplained that Cedric was “that tall, good-looking one”, with Katie Bell calling him “Strong and silent”. Immediately, Fred Weasley becomes envious of Cedric’s attention, causing him to retaliate with: “He’s only silent because he’s too thick to string two words together”. However, contrary to Fred’s beliefs, Cedric was also academically talented and was made a Prefect during his fifth year, but what is known about Cedric’s life outside of Hogwarts?
Who Are Cedric Diggory’s Parents?
Whilst the Diggory family’s blood-status is unknown, many fans have assumed that Cedric was from a wealthy Pure-Blooded family – an assumption which is largely based on his father’s prestigious occupation. Cedric is the son of Amos Diggory, who worked forthe Ministry of Magic. Amos was incredibly proud of his son, and often boasted about him to others.Goblet of Fire’sbook perfectly showcases Amos’ tendency to brag about Cedric’s achievements. When Amos is first introduced to Harry, he takes this opportunity to brag about how Cedric won against Harry in last year’s dramatic Quidditch game. When Cedric attempts to interject, Amos simply describes him as “modest”, before declaring: “the best man won”. It goes without saying that Cedric’s death completely destroyed his father. The scene in which Amos sees Cedric’s lifeless body is one of the mostheart-wrenching moments in the entire franchise.
Although Cedric’s mother is absent throughout the movies, she is often mentioned withinGoblet of Fire’sbook, however she is an unnamed character and is only referred to as ‘Mrs Diggory’. After losing her son, Mrs. Diggory’s immense grief is captured inGoblet of Fire’sbook. In the aftermath of Cedric’s death, Mrs. Diggory shares a poignant moment with Harry. She reassures the young wizard that he was not responsible for her son’s death, and thanks him for bringing Cedric’s body back to her. Harry even offers to give Amos and Mrs. Diggory his winnings from the Triwizard Tournament, but they politely refuse, and instead reinforce that Harry shouldn’t be blaming himself for Cedric’s senseless murder bythe Death Eaters.Goblet of Fire’sbook makes it clear that Cedric’s kind-hearted personality was shaped by the unwavering love and pride of his parents.
Why Was Cedric In Hufflepuff?
ManyHarry Potterfans have speculated why Cedric was sorted into Hufflepuff. His participation in the Triwizard Tournament clearly showcased the young wizard’s exceptional bravery, which has resulted in numerous fans questioning why Cedricwasn’t placed in Gryffindor– a House renowned for its courageous students. However, many other fans would confirm that Hufflepuff was the perfect fit for Cedric Diggory.
Hufflepuffs are largelyregarded as underdogs. Unlike Gryffindors, they are often cast to the side and overshadowed by their peers. Until the fourth installment of the franchise, Cedric was largely placed on the sidelines and wasn’t involved in the action. However, his exceptional performance in the Triwizard Tournament showcased the young wizard’s quiet bravery – something which Hufflepuffs are renowned for. Unlike Hogwarts’ other Houses, Hufflepuffs quietly get on with things and hate making a fuss, which is embodied via Cedric’s character.
Cedric’s loyalty also aligned him withthe Hufflepuff House. The young wizard was also surrounded by a devoted group of peers, showcasing Cedric’s loyalty and value of friendship. As indicated via Cedric’s suggestion of a rematch after a Dementor knocked Harry off his broom, the young wizard clearly valued his relationships with others. This exchange also embodies Cedric’s modesty and lack of ambition. Although it was deemed that Cedric won that Quidditch match fair and square, the wizard still requested a rematch, showing his tendency to place others above himself. Unlike Gryffindors, who are renowned for their brutal competitiveness, a Hufflepuff’s main priority lies outside of competition, and can instead be found in their friendship with others.
However, the main reason that Cedric was placed in Hufflepuff was because of his exceptional kindness and generosity towards others. Hufflepuffs are renowned for their acts of kindness, and always place others before themselves. When Harry’s name was unexpectedly picked out bythe Goblet of Fire,it’s safe to assume that any otherHarry Pottercharacter would’ve been outraged at having to share the title of Hogwarts’ School Champion, but Cedric accepted his fate with dignity and grace.
In the aftermath of this scandal, Cedric proceeded to treat Harry with kindness and made light of the situation. In contrast, other Hogwarts students subjected Harry to mindless bullying and frequently tormented him with cruel remarks. Even Ron, Harry’s closest friend, treated him maliciously and refused to believe the fact that Harry didn’t enter his name to the Goblet of Fire. Although Cedric was confused about the Goblet of Fire’s selection, he never once accused Harry of lying. In a true test of character, Cedric refused to follow in suit of the others’ unkindness towards Harry and often stood up for the chosen one. Because of this, Cedric will always be remembered for his exceptional kindness – a trait which made him a perfectencapsulation of a Hufflepuff. Whilst Hufflepuffs are often dubbed as ‘weak’, Cedric’s character proves that this stereotype is a myth, and instead serves as a reminder of Hufflepuffs’ kindness and bravery.
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