Although Harry Potter embodies many of the qualities that make a good Slytherin such as ambition and cunning, he was sorted into Gryffindor. This is because Harry also possesses the Gryffindor qualities of bravery and courage. Harry chose to be placed into Gryffindor because he wanted to be like his father, who was also a Gryffindor. James Potter was known for his bravery and daring, and Harry wanted to follow in his footsteps. He also had heard the reputation of the Slytherins and did not want to be associated with them.