The Anti-Hero Love to hate him OR hate to love him?

What is an anti-hero? An anti-hero is a protagonist who typically lacks the traditional traits and qualities of a hero, such as trustworthiness, courage, and honesty. Unorthodox in actions— acts contrary to society’s standards.

Qualities: Will have the reader’s sympathy—although this is sometimes difficult for us! Is imperfect/ has imperfections Has inner demons– we learn about these during the course of the story Is often a screw-up, outsider, or loner

Qualities: Rebels/ struggles with good and bad Riddled with paradoxical traits– ex: is a loner, but also seeks friendship Often will voluntarily help the innocent/ weak

And the “bad”…literally: They… aren’t role models are selfish are motivated by self interest or self preservation often make bad choices because it’s easier will embody bad behaviors when “wronged” will show little remorse for bad behavior

Anti-Hero vs. Traditional Hero Common traits: Both are protagonists whose actions drive the story Neither is perfect…even the traditional hero will have a flaw You will sympathize with both

Differences: The anti-hero : Has no moral code Is ordinary/ realistic Is rarely successful Battles are primarily within HIMSELF Is usually “bad”

Hemingway Hero/Anti-Hero World View: The world has lost its values (the war) and as a result many people, too, have lost their values In a world without values, the universe may appear to be without purpose, order, or meaning God often appears to be absent or nonexistent Social institutions, including religion, are not always reliable and should be approached with skepticism

Assignment: DUE TODAY Choose 2 “characters” from popular culture today (TV, movies, cartoons, novels, etc) that “fit” the definition and traits of an anti-hero. Tell me about each character. (Pretend that I don’t know the character) Explain elements of their personality/ behavior that make each an anti-hero. Please refer to specifics from this PowerPoint. Be ready to talk about these characters tomorrow.