Harry has no clue that he is famous or special in any way. He lives in a closet under the stairs in his aunt and uncle's house. He doesn't even know he is a wizard until he receives his acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Thus begins the journey into the magical world and the epic mystery that has taken children and adults alike on adventures they will never forget.
From Harry's point of view, the adventure starts in the middle. He has no memory of the events for which he is famous. His challenge in the first book is to enter a world where he is famous for something he doesn't even remember. Harry's struggle is to define himself in a world that thinks it already knows him. Does he live up to his famed name or is he just an ordinary boy in extraordinary circumstances?
As any ordinary boy would, he has talents and flaws, bullies and friends. Harry is gifted at Quidditch, a soccer-like sport for wizards. The youngest player in over a century, Harry proves himself a master on the field. Harry is not perfect, however. He's terrible at chess and not the smartest in class. He has bullies that bait him into doing stupid things, like sneaking out to attempt a wizarding duel even though he doesn't know any curses. While Draco Malfoy is a bully of equal age, Harry must also face Severus Snape, a professor that loathes Harry and feels no need to hide it.
Harry does prove himself a good friend. Ron Weasley has the distinction of being Harry's best friend. Ron is from a poor family with lots of children. Where Ron envies Harry's money (an inheritance from his parents), Harry envies Ron's family for the love they share with one another. Harry makes no hesitation to share his riches with Ron and Ron's family treats Harry like a son.
Harry's second best friend is Hermione Granger. At first, Hermione's intelligence and overbearing attitude keep Ron and Harry as far away from her as possible. But once Harry and Ron come to rescue this girl that they can't stand, the three cannot help but be friends.
As any extraordinary hero would, Harry has courage and fear, great power and great responsibility, destinies and choices. As an infant, Harry had no choice in his heroic role against Voldemort, but now he must decide whether or not to follow his fame and become the hero, or ignore his destiny and try to be normal. While Harry learns that there is a middle ground where both qualities can be mixed, he knows that to play the hero will forever put him in the spotlight.
Harry's first trial comes when he learns that someone is going to steal the Sorcerer's Stone. This legendary stone, known in history (and in the British version of Harry Potter) as the Philosopher's Stone, will give its bearer as much life and wealth as one could wish for and it is hidden in the very school that Harry attends. Harry is constantly told by his teachers to quit any investigations regarding the stone. Despite these and other obstacles, Harry is moved by his own sense of heroism and what's right.
Harry also learns that fame can be a terrible thing. When he breaks some rules to help out a friend, Harry and his fellow classmates get a severe punishment. Students turn on him with glowering stares and harsh silence. Harry must now decide to play the hero against the odds to help those that show no compassion to him. He learns that to be a real hero one must be willing to make sacrifices, even if it means sacrificing himself.
When it comes time for Harry to seek his destiny and fight for what is right, Harry learns that the value of friendship is far more important than a famous name. Ron and Hermione prove invaluable comrades. As Harry strives to solve the latest mystery, Hermione offers her incredible memory and magical abilities. Ron offers his unbeatable tactical skills, as evidenced in his masterful chess abilities. It is clear without friendship, Harry would never have had the courage to become the hero he must become.
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