"Harry, Harry, Harry," said Lockhart, reaching out and grasping his shoulder. "I understand. Natural to want a bit more once you've had that first taste &133; but see here, young man, you can't start flying cars to try and get yourself noticed." (Chapter six, p. ninety-one)

This quote, said by Gilderoy Lockhart once Harry and Ron have recovered from their journey in a flying car back to Hogwarts, shows a common misinterpretation of Harry's character. It also sets Lockhart as a foil to Harry. Lockhart makes a career out of retelling other wizards' heroic sagas as his own, taking full credit and answering mail from the many fans who love his books and his good looks. Because Lockhart thrives on fame, Harry, who is more famous than Lockhart could ever be threatens his sense of worth. The contrast between Harry and Lockhart shows that wisdom does not necessarily come with age. Harry knows that he cannot live on that fame alone and that his actions and intentions must be noble and strong for him to feel that he is a good wizard. Although his past may place him in certain unlikely and dangerous situations, it is his responsibility to handle them bravely and with all the skill he has. Lockhart's lecture on seeking fame at an early age is ironic, since it is Lockhart himself who wants to be famous.