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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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.