antihero
AN-tee-heer-oh
/ˈæn.tiˌhɪə.roʊ/
A central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities such as idealism, courage, or morality.
The protagonist of a narrative who nevertheless displays unheroic flaws or questionable ethics.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 18th century by combining the prefix 'anti-' (opposite) with 'hero'. It emerged as writers sought to move away from idealized, flawless champions toward realistic, flawed protagonists.
Word relationships
- flawed protagonist: 'Flawed protagonist' is a broader descriptive phrase, whereas antihero is a defined literary trope.
- classical hero: A classical hero possesses ideal virtues such as bravery, honor, and altruism.
Commonly confused with
- antagonist: An antihero is a main character lacking traditional virtue, whereas an antagonist is the character opposing the main character.
Word family
- antiheroic (adjective): Having traits typical of an antihero.
Collocations
- classic antihero
- sympathetic antihero
- brooding antihero
- morally gray antihero
Example sentences
- "The rise of prestige television ushered in an era dominated by morally complex antiheroes." Modern Television
- "Despite his cynical outlook and criminal methods, the readers sympathized with the antihero." Novel Analysis
Memory hook
ANTI-HERO = OPPOSITE of a traditional hero, but still driving the story. A protagonist without the shiny armor.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a villain; an antihero is still the protagonist whom the audience follows or roots for.
Fun facts
- Dostoevsky's 'Notes from Underground' (1864) is widely considered one of the earliest explicit modern explorations of the antihero.
Related words
Explore more words
heroism, conflict, heroic, nonconformist, disillusioned, cynical
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