Because of the inherited features and qualities he learned about, Harry developed a sense of security which provided him the confidence to succeed. In one situation Harry learned about the evil wizard, Voldemort, who murdered his parents because they opposed his wicked ideas. Voldemort continued to cause conflict in Harry's life by trying to steal the Sourceres's stone, which would keep him immortal. Because Harry knew his parents opposed Voldemort, he believed it was his duty to stop the evil wizard and therefore gained the courage to defeat Voldemort. Harry developed into a courageous boy who was determined to succeed because he was biologically inclined with the qualities that "force[d]" him to develop "over the course.of heredity.passed on to [him] from [his] parents" (psych. 116). .
Although his personality was partially innate, Harry's environment contributed to the structure of his identity and outcome as a character. It is in this case that the theories of psychology can be applied in a literary sense, for the result of Harry's character exemplify the idea that an individual is greatly influenced by their environment. The concept that most relates to Harry's social environment is referred to as the "nature-nurture" theory which believes that individuals are affected by their initial environment (psych. 117). Harry was raised by his cruel uncle, aunt, and cousin, the Dursleys. They neglected Harry and made him feel like an intruder "the room held no sign at all that another boy lived in the house." (18). They treated Harry as if he were a burden, "The Dursleys often spoke about Harry like this, as though he wasn't there-or rather, as though he was something very nasty that couldn't understand them, like a slug" (22). Harry was forced to live in a closet beneath the stairs, punished for inevitable happenings, beaten by his cousin, and treated as if he were an outsider. Because of the treatment he received, Harry gained a humble attitude which prompted him to rely on himself for companionship.