What is an Anti-Hero? A comprehensive look at the baddies of literature and beyond

Anti-heroes have been enormously popular for the last few decades. Tony Soprano. Dexter. Jax Teller. Walter White. It’s a television trope that almost cliché at this point. If our protagonist isn’t weighing a murder or straddling a criminal enterprise, who's going to watch?

As this old trope continues to make the rounds, I think it’s important to take a look at what it really means to be an anti-hero. Is it just a tendency towards dark behavior or is there something more nuanced happening behind the scenes. Read on to find out!

An Overview of the Antihero

An antihero is a complex and often morally ambiguous protagonist who lacks the typical qualities associated with traditional heroes. Unlike the archetypal hero, the antihero may possess characteristics such as moral ambiguity, cynicism, and flaws that challenge conventional notions of heroism.

While their actions may not always align with traditional moral values, antiheroes often have a sense of justice or motivations that drive their actions. Their moral journey may involve gray areas, making them relatable and multidimensional characters for audiences.

 Antiheroes can be found in various forms of literature, film, and television, captivating audiences with their unpredictable and unconventional approaches to achieving their goals. Examples of iconic antiheroes include characters like Walter White from "Breaking Bad" or Rorschach from "Watchmen," whose complexity and moral ambiguity add depth to their narratives.

Early Anti-heroes

Anti-heroes aren’t always sexy violent criminals. The trope can just as easily apply to any character with non-traditional motives.

One of the earliest and most well-known examples of an antihero in literature is Heathcliff from Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights," published in 1847. Heathcliff is a complex character with a dark and brooding nature. He does not conform to traditional heroic ideals; instead, his actions are driven by revenge, obsession, and a tumultuous love affair.

 Heathcliff's moral ambiguity and the challenges he poses to conventional notions of heroism make him a noteworthy early representation of the antihero in literature. While there may be earlier examples, Heathcliff's character is a significant and influential portrayal of the antihero archetype.

Other anti-heroes from the literary canon include:

• Meursault in "The Stranger" by Albert Camus (1942): Meursault is emotionally detached and morally indifferent, making choices that defy societal expectations and conventional morality.
• Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger (1951): Holden challenges societal norms, displaying a rebellious and cynical attitude towards what he perceives as the phoniness of the adult world.
• Raskolnikov in "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1866): Raskolnikov, driven by an intellectual theory, commits a crime and grapples with the moral consequences, embodying the archetype of a tormented antihero.
• Jay Gatsby in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925): Gatsby is enigmatic and engages in morally questionable activities, driven by an obsessive pursuit of wealth and the American Dream.
• Captain Ahab in "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville (1851): Ahab's relentless pursuit of the white whale, Moby Dick, borders on obsession and revenge, showcasing a darker side to his character that defies conventional heroism.

What is the recipe for a good anti-hero?

So what conditions need to be met before a character can be called an “anti-hero”? Below, I have listed out all of the ingredients for this archetype, including examples with how these tropes are carried out in popular television shows.

Moral Ambiguity: Antiheroes are defined by their moral ambiguity, straddling the line between right and wrong. Tony Soprano from "The Sopranos" epitomizes this complexity. Leading a New Jersey crime family, Tony engages in criminal activities, yet the show humanizes him through vulnerable moments and genuine concerns for those close to him.

Flaws and Imperfections: Antiheroes are characterized by their flaws, making them relatable and multidimensional. Walter White from "Breaking Bad" exemplifies this trait. Initially a mild-mannered chemistry teacher, Walter's descent into the drug trade reveals his imperfections, driven by ego and pride, transforming him into the ruthless drug lord Heisenberg.

Motivations Beyond Traditional Heroism: Motivations beyond conventional heroism define antiheroes. In "The Sopranos," Tony Soprano's primary drive is maintaining power and financial stability for his crime family, deviating from traditional heroic ideals. The narrative revolves around the gritty world of organized crime rather than conventional heroism.

Internal Conflict: Antiheroes grapple with internal conflict, navigating moral dilemmas and personal struggles. Walter White's journey in "Breaking Bad" is marked by internal turmoil as he justifies his involvement in the drug trade. This inner conflict adds layers to his character, contributing to the depth of his transformation.

Complex Relationships: Antiheroes often have intricate relationships, revealing different facets of their personalities. Tony Soprano's relationships in "The Sopranos" showcase vulnerability, loyalty, and ruthlessness, providing a nuanced view of his character within the dynamics of family, friendships, and criminal associations.

Redeemable Qualities: Despite their flaws, antiheroes may possess redeemable qualities that evoke empathy. In "Breaking Bad," Walter White's initial motivations are driven by a desire to provide for his family's financial future, adding complexity to his character before his descent into darkness challenges conventional expectations.

Tragic Elements: Tragic outcomes often befall antiheroes. In "The Sopranos," Tony Soprano's fate is left uncertain, and in "Breaking Bad," Walter White meets his demise. These tragic elements underscore the destructive consequences of their choices, providing impactful conclusions to their narratives.

What is the difference between an antihero and a villain?

An antihero is a central character who lacks traditional heroic qualities but often possesses redeeming or relatable aspects. They may engage in morally ambiguous actions, and their journey is characterized by internal conflict or unconventional goals.

In contrast, a villain is an antagonist defined by malicious qualities and actions, serving as a source of conflict and opposition to the story's central characters.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of perspective. Tony Soprano and Walter White aren’t villains because of us. It’s our perspective that assigns them heroic qualities.

But consider the way Breaking Bad changes toward the last season or so. Walter Crosses the Moral Event Horizon—effectively transitioning from the protagonist into someone so bad we can no longer root for him.

That event—at least as far as I am concerned—happens when Todd kills the child.

While the ramifications of that scene aren’t immediate it serves as a clear fork between Jessie and Walt.

Ultimately, an anti-hero isn’t so different than any other protagonist. They are flawed—it just so happens that their flaws are almost always tragic and irreversible.