The Anti-Hero Archetype

Anti-Hero Characteristics

• are not role models, although we secretly would like to kick ass like they do.
• can be selfish and essentially bad people who occasionally are good.
• are sometimes unglamorous and unattractive in character as well as in appearance.
• can be motivated by self-interest and self-preservation, but there is usually a line anti-heroes won’t cross, which sets them apart from villains.
• often have motives that are complicated and range from revenge to honor.
• forced to choose between right and wrong, will sometimes choose wrong because it’s easier.
• can play both sides with good guys and bad guys, profiting from both.
• can sometimes be coerced to help underdogs, children, or weaker characters, and they sometimes do so voluntarily.
• can embody unattractive traits and behaviors, such as sexist and racist attitudes, and violent reactions when wronged.
• can show little or no remorse for bad behaviors.
• are usually a mess of contradictions.

• The anti-hero is a shady character that breaks the rules to achieve his or her goal.

• The anti- hero is willing to participate in acts of mischief, and cruelty to complete the task.

• An anti-hero is normally a character with unorthodox thoughts and has flaws that taint the purity of the character.

• The anti-hero is considered a “bad ass”, a “maverick”, and/or a “loner”

• An anti-hero can also be relatable

I may be on the side of the angels, but don't think for one second that I am one of them.

—Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock

The media likes to portray me as a senseless killer. I would point out that I am a very sensible killer.

— The Punisher

Psychologist: Murder.

James Bond: Employment.

— Skyfall

James Gordon: Why is he running, Dad?

Commissioner Gordon: Because we have to chase him.

James Gordon: He didn't do anything wrong.

Commissioner Gordon: Because he's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So, we'll hunt him, because he can take it. Because he's not our hero: He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector... a Dark Knight.

— The Dark Knight

Heracles, from Greek mythology, was known both for the heroic deeds he accomplished, and for his many faults. He had a great appetite for food, women, and men. His pride, as well, got him into many fights and made him enemies. Throughout plays and stories written about Heracles, writers sometimes chose to write him as a character with more brawn then brains. Although he had many faults, however, Heracles was still described as being a person of good moral character, and not all of his bad luck was his fault. Hera, the queen of the gods, greatly disliked him because he was the outcome of her husband’s infidelity. Heracles is an antihero because he has many flaws as a person, but still strived to be a hero and do good things.

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due to their fragile self-esteem,

failed love, or problems getting

getting along with others.

Ancient Myths Archetype

The Anti-hero