Tragic HeroArthur Miller ’ s Neo-Modern Tragic Hero Of noble birth/stature An everyman Tragic flaw causes inevitable demise Unwillingness to let dignity suffer results from a need to provide justice to one’s self Falls from great heights or esteem Achieves great heights Evokes fear/pity for audience Educates and inspires a belief in mankind’s perfectibility

The Traditional Hero What qualities do you think of when you think of a traditional hero? Brainstorm your ideas by writing a paragraph describing your angle on what makes a hero. Include the specific qualities you would expect to find in a hero.

The Anti-hero

Well, the anti-hero is nothing like the traditional hero. In fact, in many ways they are the opposite.

Definition Fictional character Some characteristics that are opposite to those of the traditional hero – lacks courage, physical dominance, fortitude Performs acts generally deemed "heroic," but will do so with un-heroic methods, manners, or intentions

Anti-hero Character Traits AwkwardDishonest AntisocialGraceless AlienatedIgnoble CruelCowardly ObnoxiousInept PassivePitiful Weak Troubled, secret, tragic past Just ordinary. May break the law to get what they want, but they usually do so for a good reason. The anti-hero stands thus

Character Traits The anti-hero's lack of courage, honesty, or grace, his weaknesses and confusion, often reflect contemporary man's ambivalence toward traditional moral and social virtues.

Character Traits Becomes an outcast, loner –Distrusts mainstream values –Uncommitted to ideals –Perceived helplessness –Sometimes embraces or celebrates this status

Character Traits Additionally, their story may depict how their character alters over time, either leading to punishment, un-heroic success or redemption.

Some Anti-heroes You May Be Familiar With… Clint Eastwood: The Man with No Name

Pulp Fiction: Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield

Napoleon Dynamite

Scarface

Pirates of the Caribbean

Dexter

Write About What You Know Now that you know a little about the anti-hero, write a paragraph describing an anti-hero you are familiar with from either a movie you have seen or a novel you have read. Describe how this character fits the mold of the anti-hero.