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What all HP Sues Should Read
In the RPG Artema and I frequent, I was given permission to write up a Sorting Guide, since many of the rejected applicants (and some that were passed) of late did not seem to understand what it meant to be a Gryffindor or Slytherin or Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. I post it here for your enjoyment. And may the Sues finally understand it someday.

I'll Tell You Where You Belong
A Definitive Guide to Sorting Your Character Into the Proper House

So you're joining the RPG? Making your own character? If you've read the rules, then you know you have to sort yourself. Even if you feel you have a perfect grasp on where your character belongs, I suggest you take to heart the information given here. It may help you in the longrun, and you might learn a few things you did not know before.

Note About The Sorting Hat
The Sorting Hat chooses house based upon a character's innermost qualities. That figures in ambition, desire, and personality. Not past deeds. Not family association. Not by breeding. Look at Sirius Black.

The Houses

I. Gryffindor - Founded by Godric Gryffindor, whose symbol is the Lion. Gryffindors are favored for their bravery, which can be defined in many forms. In a positive sense, it can mean a person is willing to go above and beyond to defend their beliefs, their families, and their friends, even in the face of danger. It could entail having your character simply step out of their comfort zone every once in a while in order to do something worthwhile. On the other hand, it can also mean your character is overly bold, and therefore prone to pulling pranks (like the Weasley Twins), stunts, or being openly rude or obnoxious for the sake of attention. Gryffindors are not inherently good, just like Slytherins are not inherently Evil. Look at Peter Pettigrew.

II. Slytherin - (this will be long because this is the one house that is most often mis-defined) Founded by Salazaar Slytherin, whose symbol is the Serpent. Slytherins are catagorized for cunning, or, in simpler terms, street-smarts. They know how to survive on their own and generally like having their way. A Slytherin can be the sharpest pencil in the pack when it comes to grades and success, and a Slytherin wears prestige with grace and pride. They make wonderful business people because they examine the details carefully in search of loopholes. They forge connections for their own benefit and know exactly how to feed themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Positively, Slytherins can be very self-sufficient, confident, and cool in a crisis. Negatively, as is the case with such characters as Draco Malfoy, they can be cowards, liars, and cheats. However, a person who lies, cheats, and steals for the sake of self-fulfillment is no different from one who will lie, cheat and steal just to see how long they can get away with it, which is a Gryffindor sensibility.

(Note to Clarifiy the Pureblood Dilemma: Slytherin only wanted to let in purebloods. That was him. Not the Sorting Hat. I would also stress against your making your character Pureblood regardless, as Pureblood is merely a fancy way of saying one's family is inbred.)

III. Ravenclaw - Founded by Rowenna Ravenclaw, whose symbol is the Bird of Prey. Ravenclaws are chosen and sorted through a desire to learn. You needn't be a genius prior to enrolling in order to belong here. You needn't be a genius the entire seven years of your schooling to be true to the name. Ravenclaws love to learn and that often means they are studyminded as well, but not always. Always inquisitive, a Ravenclaw can tend to be the first to try something new, but it can also mean a Ravenclaw character is a terrible gossip as well. Positively, they can be very open to change and the bizarre, like Luna Lovegood, but not all are like this. Negatively, a Ravenclaw can allow his or her intellect to go to the head and become rather elitist. They can become aversed to things unlike themselves and therefore become rather competitive, and sore losers besides. Their tendancies make it hard for them to make friends outside of their own house at times as well.

IV. Hufflepuff - Founded by Helga Hufflepuff, whose symbol is the badger. Hufflepuffs are loyal; as described by the Sorting Hat, Helga wished to accept everyone into her house, and those who were became eternally grateful, but also intent upon proving their house was just as worthy as any other's. They prefer to work in groups, adoring team work above all else. There is no truer friend than a Hufflepuff, who are known by nature to be rather unconditional and accepting. Hufflepuffs are refuted for being hard workers and will always try (often more than once) before giving up. Strangely enough, these qualities can mean they possess many that might qualify them for other houses, but being eclectic makes them exclusive to this one. People of an unjudging nature fit here best. However, being so open to other personalities is not all sunshine and daisies either. A desire to work together and see the good in all tends to make a Hufflepuff easily manipulated or the most sustainable to abuse of any kind. As a matter of fact, a Hufflepuff will generally take a lot of pain before finally putting his or her foot down.


I hope this stands as helpful for the lot of you hoping to join, and those of you members who wish to make new characters. Good luck and good RPing.