Kreacher's Development

My favorite character in the series is Kreacher, and I love the way he develops over the series. The major theme that revolves around Kreacher is empathy. First off Kreacher is a house elf. He is forced to do anything that his “master” commands. He loved his original owners, the Blacks because they treated him properly. The Blacks despised of anyone that was not pure blood so Kreacher took up similar values. Later in the series we learn that Kreacher experiences a very traumatic experience. He was volunteered by Regulus to go with Voldemort to hide the Horcrux which was a necklace. This is the moment where Regulus decides that he no longer wants to be a death eater, because of the way Kreacher is treated by Voldemort forced to drink that harmful potion. Later Sirius is the master of Kreacher and Sirius despises Kreacher because Sirius associates Kreacher with his parents, thus Kreacher’s hatred toward anyone non-pureblood is further strengthened.

Sirius dies and later Harry becomes his master. Harry treats Kreacher improperly so Kreacher returns the hatred. My favorite moment in the story is when Kreacher sends a Christmas present to Harry “To Master from Kreacher” and it is a box maggots. Initially, Kreacher is a dreadful cook, and is constantly ranting about “Half-blood traitors and mudbloods”, but that all changes when Harry gives Kreacher a Black heirloom. This empathy shown by Harry completely changes Kreacher’s behavior. Kreacher becomes a fantastic chef. He doesn’t once say “mudblood” or “Blood-traitor” after this instance. He also goes as far as leading the house elves to war against Voldemort. This one simple show of empathy towards Kreacher wins him over.
Empathy is a major theme in this novel and Kreacher is a prime example. When treated properly Kreacher adopts their beliefs. His entire appearance and cooking is dreadful when under Sirius control because Sirius hated Kreacher, but when someone treated him kindly he became a great cook, more cleanly appearance, and positive attitude. I believe that Rowling created the House elves to show the significance of empathy, because Kreacher went from hatred of “mudbloods” to risking his life for them.