Why is Dr House so grumpy?

Question

I've just got hooked on Hugh Laurie's new medical drama, and since I haven't been following earlier seasons, I wonder what is the reason why Dr House is such an obnoxious jerk (Kind of like a medical doctor Jack Sparrow, rude, but lovable). Is there some backstory to this behaviour, or is this just part of his innate personality? If this answer involves spoilers, please don't reveal them to me. Thank you.

Answer 1

House essentially hates humanity. He is only ever happy at solving puzzles. I am actually beginning to actively hate the character now that they have taken him in this totally obnoxious direction. And I own the past seasons on DVD!

Dr. House is supposedly in continuous pain from his own stupidity, when he let an infection in his hamstring necrotize his muscle. To avoid him losing his leg, they had to cut a big hunk out of the muscles, and now he limps. He is addicted to narcotic painkillers, and will do anything to get them, even going so far as to steal the prescription of a dead man. He ALMOST went to jail for this, but was saved by Cuddy lying for him.

If the writers don't give him some form of redeeming qualities really soon, I fear that this will be the last season that I bother to watch the show.

Answer 2

Dr. Gregory House is not only a genius diagnostician; he is also a junkie. Being a junkie he understands human nature alot better than drug free people do. He also knows that, in spite of his drug problem, he is the best in his field which explains the arrogance. He just enjoys baiting people with his understanding that everybody lies about something and his knowledge of superior intellect. It's really a hoot to watch and really enjoy this show. It is one of our do not miss shows.

Answer 3

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_House

"House commonly expresses a profound and innate disappointment in the fallibility and inferiority of other people. His crankiness is commonly attributed to the chronic pain in his leg (the result of an infarction in one or more of the quadriceps muscles in his right thigh), for which he requires the aid of a cane. However, according to former girlfriend Stacy Warner, he was "pretty much the same" before the infarction. It is later revealed that House's father was abusive to him."

Answer 4

I missed most of the first season, so I don't know if they gave a reason, but as far as I can see, it's either an in born part of his nature or it could be because his foot is sick and he's in pain and constantly popping vitacin(smelling maybe wrong).

Answer 5

House is supposed to be the Sherlock Holmes of medicine. He plays musical instruments like Holmes. He is addicted to drugs like Holmes. He had an abusive English upbringing like Holmes. Add to this the fact that his boss and his girlfriend betrayed him with his leg leaving him with a limp. Add to that everyone assumes he is trying to score drugs so he assumes his peers are incompitent which they are or he would not have the limp, and the fact that he is always trying to score drugs because he is in constant pain thanks to his wanting to hold on to his leg when everyone wanted to cut it off and what you have is a sarcastic genius with a messed up hip and leg who has to rely on hookers for sex because he no longer trusts women. In short, he needs a woman.

Answer 6

Well House would not be House if he wasnt so sarcastic. I am absolute fan of the show. But alot of the reason have to deal with how he messed up his leg and well his past love. I would recommend signing up with Netflix and renting season 1 and on to catch up. Its a great show!!!

Answer 7

Anyone who eats handfuls of pain medication is sure to have a mood problem. Couple this with a person who KNOWS he's a genius in his field and you have instant attitude.