What is an Antihero?
A protagonist who lacks heroic qualities and sometimes displays negative traits or actions.
The Flawsome Foes: An Exploration of Antiheroes in Creative Writing
An antihero is a protagonist who stands in contrast to traditional heroic figures.
They can be described as flawed, complex characters that exhibit negative traits and actions. Instead of possessing the classic hero traits like courage, morality, and selflessness, antiheroes may exhibit cynicism, selfishness, or even apathy.
Antiheroes have become increasingly popular in contemporary literature as they allow for more dynamic storytelling and complex character development. They may start out as villains but evolve into complex protagonists throughout the plot or may always maintain their often-conflicting moral compass.
Famous examples of antiheroes in literature include Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye, Severus Snape from Harry Potter, and even the titular character from The Great Gatsby. These characters may struggle with their own morality or societal expectations, making them relatable to audiences.
An antihero is a popular literary device that allows authors to craft complex, multi-dimensional characters that stand in contrast to traditional heroic figures. Here are two examples from literature that showcase this trope:
The graphic novel Watchmen features a cast of characters who eschew the traditional hero mold, including Rorschach, a vigilante who brutally enforces justice, and Ozymandias, who manipulates world events to achieve his vision of utopia. These characters reflect the moral grayness of the world they live in, offering a thought-provoking exploration of heroism and villainy.
Breaking Bad follows the descent of Walter White, a high school teacher-turned-methamphetamine cook, from a sympathetic antihero to a full-fledged villain. As Walter's morality becomes more compromised throughout the series, the audience is forced to grapple with the consequences of their own loyalties and moral standards.