Hogwarts and Recreation – Part 2: The Puffs of Pawnee
When we recently Sorted some of the Parks and Recreation gang, we found that often very different personalities can fit comfortably under the same House banner. That isn’t necessarily a new concept, but Parks and Rec does a beautiful job of showing us how much diversity one House can contain, especially considering these next five characters, all of whom belong in Hufflepuff. These characters may have vastly different personalities, but they are all united by the core Hufflepuff values of hard work, loyalty, patience, and fairness. Taken together, the Puffs of Pawnee exemplify the very qualities that make Hufflepuff House so special.
Andy Dwyer: Joy
This lovable goofball is a perfect example of a Hufflepuff’s potential to bring joy into people’s lives. As a shoe shiner, as a musician, and as Johnny Karate and Burt Macklin, Andy Dwyer lives to make people happy. Andy works hard at everything he does, especially if someone he loves is depending on him. Even if he’s not entirely sure of what he’s doing, he always gives 110%. He is genuine and kind, he lifts people’s spirits when they need him, and he relishes every moment of life. Andy is a man with a truly boundless heart.
Chris Traeger: Balance
When we first meet Chris Traeger, he is driven by, above all else, his quest for physical perfection. As he suffers a number of personal setbacks and emotional turmoil, that quest for perfection evolves into a quest for balance in life. Over time – and with copious help from his therapist, Dr. Richard Nygard – Chris becomes a more grounded figure and a source of stability and comfort to those closest to him. He constantly reminds people how much he genuinely values them. To his colleagues, he is a true friend, a mentor, and even a paternal figure. He exemplifies a Hufflepuff’s ability to face life’s challenges with composure and positivity.
Ann Perkins: Compassion
Ann Perkins knows how to take care of her people. She is patient, tough, kind, and endlessly loyal – the ultimate best friend. She works hard to establish and maintain solid relationships with everyone in her life, even the most stubbornly antisocial, and is, above all else, a rock to those who need her. She, like many Hufflepuffs, can often lose herself in the people she cares about. Through her efforts to define her identity, she teaches us about the importance of caring for oneself as well as others. Ann is constantly supportive, a dedicated caregiver, “a beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk ox. Thank you, ox, for keeping this ship afloat.”
Garry Gergich: Contentment
Garry Gergich is “#blessed,” endlessly optimistic, and resilient enough to withstand decades of torment from his colleagues without losing his positive regard for them. Where other characters spend the series trying to find meaning in their lives and their place in the world, Jerry is the one character who has always had everything he ever needed. Larry is a hard worker, picking up the grunt work and menial jobs of the office with spirit and enthusiasm. Hufflepuffs like Terry are adept at making the most of what they have in order to lead a fulfilling life.
Ron Swanson: Respect
Ron as a Hufflepuff embodies self-respect as well as respect for others. He has a deep regard for people who stick to their core beliefs, even if those beliefs fundamentally clash with his own. Above all else, he values honesty, trustworthiness, and basic decency. Ron’s “work proximity associates” know to turn to him for guidance. As the ultimate mentor figure, he draws out the best qualities in his colleagues, even and especially when they don’t see the best in themselves. Ron Swanson may not have the stereotypical sunny disposition of a Hufflepuff, but his strict adherence to his principles and his simple, industrious lifestyle make him an ideal candidate.
Are these park pals Puff enough? Could they stand among such legends as Cedric Diggory, Nymphadora Tonks, and Newt Scamander? Let us know where you think these characters belong! And make sure to check out “Hogwarts and Recreation – Part 1: Sorting ‘Parks and Rec’ Characters” for more of your favorite Pawneeans!
