Argus Filch is often portrayed as a grumpy, bitter caretaker at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but behind his scowling demeanor lies a deeply misunderstood and tragic figure. In the magical world of Harry Potter, Filch is frequently dismissed or ridiculed, yet there are many reasons why readers and viewers might feel bad for Filch. Exploring his background, limitations, and daily experiences at Hogwarts reveals a character who struggles with rejection, isolation, and unfulfilled dreams in a world that was never designed for someone like him.
Who Is Argus Filch?
Filch’s Role at Hogwarts
Argus Filch serves as the caretaker of Hogwarts, responsible for maintaining cleanliness, order, and discipline within the castle. He is often seen patrolling the corridors, punishing students for breaking rules, and chasing after those who make messes or cause disturbances. While he appears strict and cold, Filch’s job is not easy. Managing a school full of magical students without magic of his own puts him in an incredibly difficult and frustrating position.
A Squib in a Magical World
One of the most significant details about Filch is that he is a Squib a non-magical person born to magical parents. In a world where magical ability is highly valued, being a Squib often leads to feelings of shame and exclusion. Filch’s lack of magical powers is a source of personal pain, and it explains much of his behavior. He is surrounded every day by children who can do with a wand what he must do by hand, and that constant reminder of his limitations feeds into his bitterness.
Reasons to Feel Bad for Filch
Isolation and Loneliness
Filch is one of the loneliest figures in the Harry Potter series. He is not a teacher, not a student, and not a magical being he exists on the margins of the Hogwarts community. Students mock him, teachers barely acknowledge him, and he has few, if any, genuine friendships. His closest companion is his cat, Mrs. Norris, who is his only source of emotional connection. The bond between them highlights his need for affection and loyalty, something he rarely receives from others.
Unappreciated Hard Work
Despite his lack of magic, Filch continues to perform the incredibly difficult job of maintaining a massive castle. He cleans up magical messes, repairs damage, and tries to enforce rules in a school where children can summon chaos with a flick of a wand. Yet, he receives little respect or gratitude. His hard work often goes unnoticed, and when something goes wrong, he’s usually the first to be blamed or dismissed. For someone trying to hold things together without the aid of magic, his efforts deserve more recognition.
Frustration and Powerlessness
Filch’s attempts to discipline students are often thwarted. He wants order and control, but the magical nature of Hogwarts makes that nearly impossible. He frequently complains about the lack of punishment options and shows interest in more severe methods, like shackles, though it’s unclear whether this is genuine or a reflection of his desperation. His frustration stems from being expected to maintain authority in an environment where he has almost none.
Filch’s Vulnerabilities
The Kwikspell Course
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry discovers that Filch is secretly enrolled in a Kwikspell correspondence course a program marketed to Squibs in the hope of helping them learn magic. The discovery is a deeply humiliating moment for Filch, as it exposes his private struggle to belong. His embarrassment and anger when Harry finds the letter show how sensitive and insecure he feels about his condition. This moment humanizes Filch, revealing that he hasn’t given up hope, despite years of rejection.
Mrs. Norris and Emotional Dependence
Mrs. Norris, Filch’s cat, is not just a pet but a companion who seems to share his purpose. He speaks to her as if she understands him, and he visibly breaks down when she is petrified in the second book. His love for Mrs. Norris shows a different side of him one that is caring and deeply attached. In a life where he is ignored or scorned by nearly everyone else, she provides loyalty and connection.
The Cultural Stigma of Being a Squib
Prejudice and Exclusion
Within the magical world, Squibs are often looked down upon, sometimes even hidden away by their families. This societal attitude can lead to internalized shame and alienation. Filch’s resentment toward students and wizards is likely rooted in years of exclusion and ridicule. Unlike Muggles, who live completely outside the magical community, Squibs are aware of what they’re missing. That knowledge makes their outsider status even more painful.
Comparison with Other Characters
Other non-magical or marginalized characters, like Hagrid, are embraced by the Hogwarts community. However, Filch is not afforded the same acceptance, possibly because he does not possess the cheerful disposition or physical strength to win people over. This contrast highlights the unfairness in how certain characters are treated, even when they face similar challenges.
Filch’s Redemption and Complexity
More Than a Villain
While often portrayed as an antagonist to the students, Filch is not truly evil. He doesn’t join the Death Eaters or commit acts of cruelty beyond his grumbling and complaints. He is simply trying to find his place in a world that doesn’t welcome him. His attitude may be unpleasant, but it is rooted in real pain and years of feeling invisible and undervalued.
Surviving at Hogwarts
Despite everything, Filch stays. He never abandons Hogwarts, even during the darkest times. He remains at the school through Voldemort’s return, through attacks and war, and through being constantly mocked. His perseverance speaks volumes about his loyalty and his strength. It takes resilience to continue working in an environment that constantly reminds you of your inadequacy, and that resilience deserves recognition.
Argus Filch may not be the most beloved character in the Harry Potter series, but he is undoubtedly one of the most tragic. As a Squib working in a magical school, his daily life is a reminder of what he cannot do, yet he continues to serve a community that rarely shows him kindness. When we look beyond the surface, it becomes clear why we should feel bad for Filch. His story is one of quiet endurance, longing, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that does not value him. In understanding his pain, we gain a fuller picture of the magical world not just its wonders, but also its flaws and the people it overlooks.