The Anti-Hero The Hero

The Hero Traditionally in literature a hero is a character who possesses a strong moral fiber.
This is a character that seems to always do to right thing, no matter what the situation.

The Hero A hero has a strong conviction, is dynamic, and/or has a certain magnetism that draws the reader to him/her. A hero does not necessarily complete their journey on their own, but they are the central character in the story.

The Hero A literary hero will complete the traditional Hero Cycle.

Helper

Step 1
Boon

Step 2
Tests Additional Helpers

ADVENTURE THRESHOLD

Step 4
Flight

Step 3 Crossing the Adventure Threshold Supreme Ordeal The Return The call to adventure

The Tragic Hero

A tragic hero is often used in Shakespearean literature. This model of a hero may not always be a good guy. The tragic hero has made its way into more contemporary literature because audiences can relate to them. A tragic hero follows a twelve step pattern.

The Tragic Hero

Step 1 A protagonist of high estate
Step 2 A tragic flaw in character Step 3 Intrusion of time, sense or urgency Step 4 Misreading/Rationalizations

The Tragic Hero

Step 5 Murder, exile, alienation of enemies and allies
Step 6 Gradual isolation of Tragic Hero Step 7 Mobilization of opposition Step 8 Recognition of tragic flaw, too late

The Tragic Hero

Step 9 Last courageous attempt to restore greatness.
Step 10 Audience recognizes potential for greatness. Step 11 Death of tragic hero. Step 12 Restoration of order.

The Anti-Hero
The Anti-Hero is a flawed hero, much like a tragic hero. Like a tragic hero an anti-hero has some sort of character flaw that often hinders their ability to be a hero.

The Anti-Hero
Though an Anti-Hero may not do the right thing all the time, a reader is drawn to the Anti-Hero.
Unlike a tragic hero the Anti-Hero will not always die.

The Anti-Hero

The concept of an Anti-Hero is often used in darker literature.

The Anti-Hero The Anti-Hero is being used more in modern literature as authors try to portray villains as complex characters

The Anti-Hero An Anti-Hero relates to a reader because the Anti-Hero displays more humanity that a regular Hero.

The Anti-Hero Instead of a standard tragic flaw an Anti-Hero may try to do what is right by using questionable means.

Anti-Hero Traits
Anti-Heroes can be obnoxious. Anti-Heroes can be pitiful. Anti-Heroes can be awkward. Anti-Heroes can be passive.

Types of Anti-Hero Some Anti-Heroes may be unable to commit to traditional values of society.
This type of Anti-Hero distrusts conventional society.

Types of Anti-Hero

Another type of Anti-Hero cannot get a break in life.

He/she will move from one disappointment to another, their efforts always ending in failure.