Defining the Anti-Hero
The definition of an anti-hero can be subjective. He is usually the protagonist or a key character. Generally, an
anti-hero will have the following qualities:
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Used in more modern literature as authors try to portray heroes as complex characters
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Has human frailties/flaws, thus often, more accessible to readers because he/she is more displays
more humanity than a traditional hero.
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Instead of a tragic flaw, an anti-hero may try to do what is right by using questionable means.
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Could perhaps be called a noble criminal or a vigilante
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Noble motives are pursued by breaking the law; a.k.a. "the ends justify the means"
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Often disillusioned with society, or increasingly becomes so
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Often seeks for redemption or revenge for his/her own satisfaction, and sometimes for the greater
good of society
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Unlike the classical tragic hero, he/she doesn't always think about what the right, moral thing to do often thinks about what's right for him/her
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Often misunderstood by others in his society
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Qualities normally belonging to villains - such as amorality, greed and violent tendencies - are
tempered with more human, identifiable and even noble traits
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Increased moral complexity and rejection of traditional values
Think of how these traits apply to Winston. Brainstorm the connections below.
Prompt:
An anti-hero is a protagonist who is a non-hero or the antithesis of a traditional hero; a main character in a book
who does not have the usual good qualities that are expected in a hero. Anti-heroes can be used to represent
many things at the same time such as, social flaws, human frailties and political culture.
It has been said that anti-heroes are appealing because their darkness reels us in but we continue to hope for the
light. Choose a novel with anti-hero and defend this premise.
Directions:
1. Highlight/underline the key words to focus on in each the prompt.
2. Write a thesis statement (including ALL thesis parts: Author, title, key prompt words, theme)
3. Cite 3 SPECIFIC examples/paraphrases/quotes from the novel that would support your thesis statement.
(Use your brainstorm from the previous page.)