The Hero The Anti -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.

ADVENTURE THRESHOLD Step 1 The call to adventure Step 1 Step 2 Crossing the Adventure Threshold Step 2 Step 3 Supreme Ordeal Step 3 Step 4 The Return Step 4 Helper Tests Additional Helpers Flight Boon

Tragic Hero Background “A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall.” -Aristotle The tragic hero is a man of noble stature. He is not an ordinary man, but a man with outstanding quality and greatness about him. His own destruction is for a greater cause or principle.

Tragic Hero Characteristics of a tragic hero: –Undergoes a morally significant struggle that ends disastrously. –Essentially a superior person who is treated sympathetically (we like him in spite of what the hero might do) –His destiny or choice is to go down fighting rather than submit and thus pluck a moral victory from a physical defeat. –Not all good or all bad (very human) –Goes from a high, respected position to shame and dishonor or unhappiness or death.

The Tragic Hero 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 A tragic hero follows a twelve step pattern. Step 1 – A protagonist of high estate –They are famous or well-liked Step 2 – A tragic/fatal flaw (hamartia) –Traditionally, hubris (excessive pride) –They are unaware of it, so it ultimately leads to their downfall Step 3 – Intrusion of time, sense or urgency

The Tragic Hero Step 4 – Misreading/Rationalizations 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.