LOL! It always botthers me when Draco is referred to as the "blonde," because that is one of the few words in our language we took directly from the French, and is only supposed to be used for blonde women. "The blond" would be right; or better yet, "the blond man."
For me, I agree with lomonaaren that it shows a failure of writing imagination. It's not a major annoyance, but it's like using a weak word when there are strong words about, because it doesn't ADD anything 95% of the time. Is it important, or relevant, that Draco is blond or Slytherin? It could be. For example, if a lot of people from other houses are bashing Slytherins, writing "the former Slytherin finally spoke up..." or whatever. See? It's relevant to the plot, and to his character. Same thing if Harry's making blonde jokes -- you can see "the blond stiffened, and turned to glare." Otherwise, there's always names, pronouns, which don't jar as much.
I'd feel the same way about the "taller one" or "the green-eyed boy" or any descriptive phrase substituting for "Draco" or "Harry." My default is that it just doesn't have to be there.
But then, there's a WHOLE LOT in writing which doesn't have to be there which I can't help noticing. The worst ones are the ones I missed in my own story! None of us produces the perfect work.
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For me, I agree with lomonaaren that it shows a failure of writing imagination. It's not a major annoyance, but it's like using a weak word when there are strong words about, because it doesn't ADD anything 95% of the time. Is it important, or relevant, that Draco is blond or Slytherin? It could be. For example, if a lot of people from other houses are bashing Slytherins, writing "the former Slytherin finally spoke up..." or whatever. See? It's relevant to the plot, and to his character. Same thing if Harry's making blonde jokes -- you can see "the blond stiffened, and turned to glare." Otherwise, there's always names, pronouns, which don't jar as much.
I'd feel the same way about the "taller one" or "the green-eyed boy" or any descriptive phrase substituting for "Draco" or "Harry." My default is that it just doesn't have to be there.
But then, there's a WHOLE LOT in writing which doesn't have to be there which I can't help noticing. The worst ones are the ones I missed in my own story! None of us produces the perfect work.