Exploring Good Worldbuilding in Harry Potter

While the Harry Potter series is often criticized for its worldbuilding, there are still examples of excellent worldbuilding that manage to stand out. In this article, we will explore how J.K. Rowling successfully constructed a magical world that remains intriguing and consistent, despite the obvious ties to the real world and the later plotholes in the series.

Definition of Good Worldbuilding

The concept of good worldbuilding can be subjective, but it typically involves creating a believable and cohesive setting that is consistent with the genre and purpose of the story. In fantasy literature, this often means staying within the realm of the fantastic and providing a framework that readers can suspend their disbelief within.

Harry Potter: A Delight in Light Fantasy

The Harry Potter series, as a light fantasy, is inherently delightful. It is written in a way that is accessible and appealing to both children and adults, maintaining a whimsical and imaginative tone throughout. This style, while not always considered the most "serious" in the literary world, has its own charm and appeal.

Early Light Fantasy and the Challenge of Realism

One of the challenges in fantasy literature is striking a balance between the real world and the magical world. Early science fiction and fantasy were often considered non-serious, with factual details often removed to cater to the genre. Authors like Timothy Zahn and David Weber's Honorverse series have demonstrated that it is possible to combine realism and fantasy in a way that is both imaginative and believable.

Consistency in Worldbuilding

For me, what defines good worldbuilding has more to do with a consistency to type. This means that a book or world or series should stick to its established style and be executed well. For example, Elizabeth Moon's Paksennarion books offer a beautiful, hyperrealistic take on Tolkien/ADD fantasy, which is consistent and engaging within its genre. A world that adheres to its own set of rules and maintains a cohesive narrative is often perceived as a well-built world.

Examples of Inconsistency in Harry Potter

One of the criticisms of the Harry Potter series is its inconsistent worldbuilding. The initial setup, with Hogwarts serving as a barrier to the real world, created a clear boundary. However, as more books and films were added, the gap between the magical world and the real world became increasingly blurred, leading to more and more plotholes. For instance, the introduction of the Oblivious device and the hiding of magical objects became more absurd as the series progressed.

Evaluation of Worldbuilding in Individual Works

For me, the style of the book or world is crucial. If a book or world is consistently within its established style, it can be considered good. For example, A.J. Sherwood's Villainy is a hysterically funny pastiche on fantasy gaming culture, skewering tropes with gay abandon. Similarly, Ross Young's PA features characters like drunk dwarves LARPing, which is equally humorous and consistent within its style. Realism can often be overrated; Harry Potter is not a realistic fantasy but is captivating within its genre.

The Modern Era of Worldbuilding

The rise of self-publishing and the modern digital age have radically changed the landscape of worldbuilding. Barriers to entry are lower than ever, and anyone can now publish their work on Amazon or other self-publishing platforms. This means more diverse and creative worldbuilding styles are emerging, breaking traditional boundaries and conventions.

The Future of Worldbuilding

As long as worldbuilding does not break any laws or ethical guidelines, it is open to all forms of creativity. In the end, the choice of worldbuilding style comes down to personal preference. Some readers prefer hyperrealism, while others enjoy more humorous or absurd styles. As long as the world is consistent and engaging within its framework, it can be considered good worldbuilding.

Ultimately, the Harry Potter universe, with its cohesive and imaginative worldbuilding, remains a delight for many, creating a unique and enchanting experience for its readers. The complexity and consistency of its world, even with its plotholes, contribute to its enduring popularity and the joy it brings to its audience.