Final answer:
Harry Potter not knowing his magical identity until just before attending Hogwarts brought advantages such as a normal childhood and humility, and disadvantages such as lack of preparedness and delayed knowledge of his parents' true story.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of Harry Potter learning about his special identity shortly before attending Hogwarts has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages include Harry having a normal childhood free from the pressures and dangers associated with being known as "The Boy Who Lived." This allowed him to develop a sense of humility and normality before being thrust into the wizarding world. Additionally, Harry's lack of knowledge about his fame prevented him from developing a potentially arrogant or entitled personality, as he was not treated differently based on his status.
Disadvantages involve Harry lacking the knowledge and preparedness he might have benefited from had he been aware of his past and significance. For instance, learning about the magical world and his role within it at an older age might have left him better equipped to face challenges earlier on. Moreover, there is the emotional disadvantage of him not knowing the true story of his parents and having to discover it in a more abrupt and potentially jarring manner.