When we think of heroes, we usually picture brave, noble figures who always do the right thing. But what about those characters who blur the lines between good and bad? These are the anti heroes.

In this guide, we will be talking about what an anti hero is, its characteristics, examples, and how  they are written in a film.

First, let’s define anti hero

An anti hero is a main character in a story who lacks the typical heroic qualities. They might be selfish, morally gray, or even downright unlikable at times. 

But despite their flaws, we often find ourselves drawn to them.

What is an Anti Hero?

Simply put, an anti hero is a protagonist who doesn’t fit the traditional hero mold. They might have good intentions, but their methods are often questionable. 

Think of characters like Tony Soprano or Walter White – they’re the stars of their stories, but they’re far from perfect.

Example: Walter White (Breaking Bad)

Walter White starts as a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after being diagnosed with lung cancer. His initial motivation is to secure his family’s financial future, but as the series progresses, he becomes increasingly ruthless and power-hungry. 

Walter’s transformation from “Mr. Chips to Scarface” (as creator Vince Gilligan put it) is a classic anti-hero journey. He’s intelligent and sometimes even sympathetic, but his actions become increasingly immoral.

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Example: Tony Soprano (The Sopranos)

As the head of a New Jersey crime family, Tony Soprano is violent, unfaithful, and often cruel. However, he’s also a family man struggling with depression and anxiety. The show explores his attempts to balance his criminal life with his roles as a father and husband.

 Tony’s complexity makes him a quintessential anti-hero – we’re drawn to his charisma and occasional moments of vulnerability, even as we’re repelled by his brutal actions.

Anti hero examples in literature

Some classic anti heroes in literature include:

1. Holden Caulfield from “The Catcher in the Rye”
2. Jay Gatsby from “The Great Gatsby”
3. Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series

Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye)

Holden is a teenage protagonist who’s cynical, judgmental, and often hypocritical. He criticizes others for being “phony” while often being dishonest himself. However, his observations about society and growing up resonate with many readers. Holden’s anti-hero status comes from his flawed nature and his struggle against societal norms, even as he yearns for connection and meaning.

Severus Snape (Harry Potter series)

Snape is a complex character who appears villainous for much of the series, but is revealed to be an anti-hero. He’s cruel to Harry and other students, but his actions are ultimately driven by his love for Harry’s mother and his commitment to defeating Voldemort. Snape’s journey showcases how an anti-hero can be unpleasant and even seemingly antagonistic, while still working toward a noble goal.

Anti Hero Movies

Hollywood loves a good anti hero. These complex characters often make for compelling protagonists in films.

Anti hero examples in film

Some memorable anti heroes in movies include:

1. Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver”
2. Tyler Durden in “Fight Club”
3. Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series

Iconic anti hero examples

Let’s take a closer look at a few iconic anti heroes:

1. Deadpool: A foul-mouthed mercenary with a heart of gold (sometimes)
2. Harley Quinn: A chaotic former psychiatrist turned criminal
3. Wolverine: A gruff loner with a violent streak

Example: Deadpool

Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, is a mercenary with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor. Unlike traditional superheroes, Deadpool is selfish, vulgar, and violent. He often breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly. His motivations are usually self-serving, but he occasionally displays heroic tendencies. Deadpool’s anti-hero status comes from his willingness to use extreme violence and his general disregard for traditional heroic values.

What’s an Anti Hero with Morals?

Some anti heroes do have a moral code, even if it’s twisted. They might do bad things, but often for what they believe are good reasons.

Anti Hero Examples

1. Batman: He fights crime, but often uses questionable methods
2. Dexter Morgan: A serial killer who only targets other murderers
3. Robin Hood: Steals from the rich to give to the poor

Example: Batman

While often seen as a traditional hero, Batman has many anti-hero qualities. He operates outside the law, uses fear as a weapon, and often employs violent methods to fight crime. His motivations stem from childhood trauma, and he’s often portrayed as psychologically damaged. Batman’s complex nature – a hero who sometimes uses questionable means to achieve his goals – makes him a fascinating study in anti-heroism.

Example: Dexter Morgan (Dexter)

Dexter is a blood spatter analyst for the Miami police by day and a serial killer by night. However, he only kills other murderers, following a strict “code” taught to him by his adoptive father. Dexter’s anti-hero status comes from his struggle between his murderous impulses and his desire to do good. He’s a killer we root for because he targets those who “deserve” it, creating a moral dilemma for the audience.

Anti hero vs villain

It’s important to understand that anti heroes aren’t the same as villains. While both might do bad things, anti heroes usually have some redeeming qualities or noble goals.

Anti Hero vs. Anti Villain

An anti villain is sort of the opposite of an anti hero. They might have good intentions, but their actions are ultimately evil. Think Thanos from the Marvel movies – he wanted to save the universe, but his method was genocidal.

Antihero Examples • Killmonger

In “Black Panther,” Killmonger is a great example of an anti villain. He wants to help oppressed people, but his methods are too extreme.

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Types of Anti Heroes

There are different flavors of anti heroes. Let’s look at one common type:

The corrupt protagonist

This is a character who starts off good but becomes corrupted over time.

Anti Hero Examples • Cillian Murphy on Peaky Blinders

Tommy Shelby from “Peaky Blinders” is a prime example. He’s a war hero turned gangster, always walking the line between right and wrong.

How to write an anti hero

Creating a compelling anti hero isn’t easy, but here are some tips:

1. Give them a backstory that explains their behavior
2. Show their inner conflict
3. Make them charismatic despite their flaws
4. Balance their negative traits with some positive ones

The Narrator explains

Let’s break down these elements:

Backstory

A well-crafted backstory is crucial for an anti hero. It helps explain their motivations, justifies their actions to some degree, and makes them more relatable. Perhaps they experienced a traumatic event, faced injustice, or grew up in difficult circumstances. 

This history should inform their worldview and decision-making, giving depth to their character.

Internal Conflict

A good anti hero should struggle with their choices. They know what they’re doing isn’t right, but they feel compelled to do it anyway.

Charisma

Despite their flaws, anti heroes need to be charismatic. There’s a reason we keep watching Tony Soprano or rooting for Walter White, even when they do terrible things.

Closing Thoughts

Anti heroes have become a staple of modern storytelling, and for good reason. They reflect the complexity of real life, where people aren’t always purely good or evil. These flawed protagonists challenge us to think about morality in shades of gray rather than black and white.

From classic literature to the latest blockbuster films, anti heroes continue to captivate audiences. They remind us that even deeply flawed individuals can be the heroes of their own stories – and sometimes, of ours too.

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