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My idea of an antihero is a bit different, especially when it comes to concrete examples. In my view an antihero is a main character that is lazy, selfish and hedonistic. It's someone with low moral values and no big ideals. He's to be distinguished from the
The examples I have in mind are mainly from the 19th Century:
Hmm. By this logic isn’t Ahab an antihero? Imaginejane12 ( talk) 04:19, 19 October 2022 (UTC)
Nancy Botwin on Weeds — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:588:100:BB0:E0A5:ACE3:2A1E:9094 ( talk) 18:30, 28 July 2023 (UTC)
Since the definition already in use seems to be causing so much confusion and disagreement with it, found a definition I would like to add to the main article that I found in the Oxford Encyclopedic Dictionary (Bay Books and Oxford University Press (C) 1962 (1983 reprint)) I think it sums up what an anti hero is neatly, while allowing for flexability for the changing on conventions.
Hero of unconventional type in novel etc.
Why this definition?
One of the most common definition states, with minor variations depending on the source, that an anti hero is "a character with few, if any, traditional characteristics or values." That leaves the door open for villians and other non hero people to be included as antiheroes.
The other main type of definition I have come across is "A protagonist with few, if any, traditional characterists." This also leaves the door open for villians, and also means that it only refers to one person/ small group of people. That means you can't have an antihero working in the backgrounds as a mysterious figure. You can't have them popping up to help, hinder, and do what they want.
Others try to define why an antihero is different from other heroes, and limit them in that way, so the definition can't include the full range of antiheroes.
I am giving you one month before I add this to the article to present cases why you think it should not be added. Corrupt one 00:09, 12 April 2007 (UTC)
I can see only two varibiles in this definition
The first is WHAT is a Hero. For that, I think it would be best to go to the Hero page
What is unconventional?
Does it depend on the culture, the age, the people who make them up, or what? Can an antihero become a conventional hero if that type of unconventional hero is adopted by culture and becomes a conventional type? Can the reverse occure when a culture changes and that type of hero is no longer conventional?
If anyone can find research to help clarify this for the article, I would appreciate it. Corrupt one 00:09, 12 April 2007 (UTC)
Actually, that may work. Mention in the definition area something like "The term antihero has a varity of definitions, ranging from unconventional heroes, a protagonist lacking heroic qualities or even one possessing traits antithetical to the traditional hero."
This will allow for all the definitions to be looked at, while not excluding any. Since the definitions are listed latter on, they can see them more clearly. It will also allow for people to understand WHY there is debate over what is and is not an antihero.
The change you propose to make would sugest that it was all part of the one definition and might of caused confusion.
My intent was to provide what I say as the broadest possible definition while not including all chacters who were not heroes, or excluding all characters other then the protagonist. If the definition I put up does not work, then mention the wide range, by all means.
Hell, I'm no expert, I just have what I admite is my point of view. Just as long as you allow people to see what there is and think for themselves, go for it. Corrupt one 02:24, 29 May 2007 (UTC)
Just on a side thought, with all those definitions, who are NOT included, except conventioal heroes? Corrupt one 02:29, 29 May 2007 (UTC)
Just thought I'd say something. The definition here for anithero is definitely a confusing one. I know that you may feel like cultural differences may change the definition of the term "hero", "villian", "antihero", etc. but surely you know that the truth is independent of what other people believe. Therefore, we the general populance, already know what a hero is and from there can say that an antihero is a hero that fulfills his role as a hero using unethical means. Always open to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism 147.70.153.95 ( talk) 16:17, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
I've gone through the article, mostly focusing on the first part in regards to definition. Cleaned that up so it's more presentable in the aspect of showing how the defintion has changed throughtout the years (which was previously mentioned in the beginning of the article).
Decided to remove the "examples" part at the bottom since it listed another 'specific' specific examples and the place to do that was in the body of the article. Am quite familiar with the example of Shinji Ikari and can validify such an example usage. However, Ikari's characteristics are better incorporated as a 'definition' rather than a specific example. Subject can be included in examples but with more detailed perspective.
This is just a cleanup and I have not yet removed the "clean up" notification implicated by Wiki, I leave this up to someone who can validify the actions done here. (
Dave
17:03, 1 May 2007 (UTC))
Surely Hannibal Lecter is the ultimate anti-hero? He is a 'hero' because he helps with a police investigation in a way only he can using his considerable powers of analysis etc that the police don't have. He also makes considerable self sacrifice in self-amputating one of his hands so he can be with Clarice. He is 'anti' because he eats people etc. I think this should be put in, by am unsure of how this should be included. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 213.146.157.138 ( talk) 15:02, 9 May 2007 (UTC).
I agree he is NOT a conventional hero. However, he was NUTS, and although that argues in his favor to BE an antihero, you must remember that his helping people was mainly to manipulate them to do what he wants, thus the hero part of being an antihero is HIGHLY debatable. Being a hero considers a persons deeds and intents. An antihero also looks at them. If he had no heroic intent or deed, then how can he be any type of hero? Corrupt one 23:55, 25 May 2007 (UTC)
From the discussion, you seem to be acting as de facto senior editor for this article. You have centered the literature section around Batman (with a glaring error that he dates from late 20th century, early 21st). Judging from the date of your BA, I can fairly assume you discovered the Miller or post-Miller version of the character. If editor after editor is trying to include other examples or engaging you about the validity of Batman, there is a reason. I discovered Batman way before Miller came around. I also read the Bob Kane first stories. And there was never any question that this was a hero, not a anti-hero. It's true that I was not around in 1939 and cannot say how readers thought of Batman then, if they thought that was an anti-hero or not. However, considering he was on the tradition of earlier pulp characters like The Shadow and The Spider, I very much doubt they did. The most characteristic feature of Bob Kane's art that comes to my mind is the broad smile that he put on both Bruce Wayne and Batman face so the "brooding" description is rather limited. And it's not a question of author's intent. To the readers Batman was and has always been a hero. The preclusion of further examples has the disastrous result that Batman appears as a typical example yet few readers can agree with it and want to come up with Magneto, Anakin or Wolverine. I proposed Sub-Mariner because he's supposed to be the first one. He's also unsympathetic which, although it is not stated, may be a key characteristic that differentiates heroes from anti-heroes in people's minds. So considering this article has two tags for improvement and you only revert others people's edits per the recent history and you're very vocal on the discussion page about defending your reasons, I'd like you to cut short on the discussion, be bold and do what you think is necessary to improve it. -- Leocomix 09:32, 1 August 2007 (UTC)
OK, thanks for clarifying. Adding a tag asking for a source is the correct thing to do. I have seen no consensus on Batman from the talk page. If we have to keep Batman which to me is a bad example of an anti-hero in the comic book tradition (there is a person in the talk page that expressed the same opinion), then I feel it is necessary to include more examples. I am not a fan of Sub-Mariner if that's your concern. It's just that as anti-heroes go in comic books, he's a famous and early example. As for the list, I agree, it should be deleted again. -- Leocomix 22:42, 1 August 2007 (UTC)
It seems that the term "anti-hero" is pejorative and subjective - it presupposes that there is an "authority" who defines heroic, villainous and anti-heroic values, qualities and attributes.
I propose the following:
It is agreed that the Western Christian tradition is dualistic.
Furthermore, the this tradition divides Creation between the Spheres of Good and Evil. (Regardless of how culturally created these spheres are.)
That the Classical Hero exists in the Sphere of Good.
That the Classical Villain exists in the Sphere of Evil.
That the anti-hero exists on the shifting borderland between Good & Evil. (Otherwise known as Liminality.)
That the anti-hero is a Liminal Being.
Therefore I suggest that the Anti-Hero be renamed.
I suggest the neologism: Limenethos to describe a character who exists in an ethical borderland. (from the Latin "limen"-threshhold, from the Greek "ethos"-moral character.)
As a side note, judging by the etymology of the key words, "Anti-hero", "Hero", "Villain", "Protagonist" and "Antagonist" none of these terms serve a useful descriptive purpose:
"Hero" - from the Greek meaning "demi-god" - does this mean that the Anti-hero is the "against demi-god"?
"Villain" - from the Latin meaning "farmhand"
"Protagonist" - Pro-"in favor of", agonizesthai "to contend for a prize"
"Antagonist" - Anti-"against", agonizesthai "to contend for a prize" (Is Austin Powers a villain because he contends against Dr. Evil's prize of ruling the world?)
Eh?Why? 14:38, 7 August 2007 (UTC)
I am strongly opposed to trying to change the term Anti-hero. It is an accepted word. We do not MAKE words, but make an encyclopdia of words that already exist using referances from the real world.
Also, a few other things. If we DID somehow rename antiheroes, we would still have to have an article on antiheroes to show what they are, since people who know the term will look for it.
Another matter; I believe you know that litteral translations do not count as the meaning of things. I base this on the fact that those examples you gave would mean you had a pretty stuffed up educvation if you believed they still meant their original meaning I state quiet freely that I believe you are trying to stir things up. I can appreciate it; just try to be more subtle and amusing in the future. Corrupt one 00:32, 9 August 2007 (UTC)
The articles don't seem to be clear on this. Although the two are very similar, the difference is not outlined. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 152.105.64.10 ( talk) 21:09, 7 October 2007 (UTC)
McMurphy is a couragous, idealist and has fortitude throughout his adventure of the story. He is proof that you can still be an anti-hero and have those traits. He lives by his own rules and does everything for his own benefits. He uses the patients in order to obtain better fortune for himself —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.102.77.193 ( talk) 18:07, 12 September 2007 (UTC)
Here is something from the part on contemporary littrature
"In modern times, heroes have enjoyed an increased moral complexity. From this, one could say that the popularity of the anti-hero has seemingly boomed but this is part of the continual evolution and redefinition of the hero"
My only problem with this is there is no referance, and without that, it may be deemed OR. Will someone please find some referance to support this? Corrupt one ( talk) 22:43, 5 December 2007 (UTC)
I noticed my recent addition has been removed; reading through the discussion list, I wonder if it was thought to be a "random list" that did not further the substance of the artice. However, I did not present the characters as random examples; rather, I was trying to point out that the antihero character seems to be common in pop culture today. I listed three well-known and critically acclaimed TV shows, and provided documentation from NY Times that supported the exact point I was trying to make. I am respectfully asking for an explanation why my edits were removed. It's very frustrating to spend an extended bit of time on an entry only to have it completely wiped a day later. (Oh, and my reward for asking this question once already is that the discussion suddenly gets archived and my post disappears). SgtOsiris ( talk) 17:49, 20 November 2008 (UTC)
How come Wikipedia has listed the Doctor as an anti-hero? What traits make him that and does it really apply to all Doctors? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.233.128.9 ( talk) 22:27, 15 December 2007 (UTC)
He lacks traditional heroic characteristics or values. he messes with time for fun, goes all over the place and time with little regard for other, and many other such things. Corrupt one ( talk) 23:00, 19 February 2008 (UTC)
I don't think that is the case, especially not in the current incarnation, I think he fits better the tragic hero model than the anti-hero. The Doctor after all places life as beyond value, risks his life for companions, is brave, caring, etc. which are all characteristics of a classic hero, he does have major flaws, but he is not an anti-hero. —Preceding unsigned comment added by JasonJD48 ( talk • contribs) 16:52, 29 March 2009 (UTC)
The Doctor first killed someone as a child. He killed a bully named Torvic. [1] He continues to kill again and again. It would not be exaggeration to say he's committed genocide many times over. [2] Even if you find a justification for every single incident that's still countless deaths. There's a reason he's known as a "Nameless terrible thing soaked in the blood of a billion galaxies." — Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.50.182.215 ( talk) 06:16, 25 November 2013 (UTC)
References
I found a few referances to Spider-Man as an archtypical antihero, and I figured I wllet you look at the bits I selected. I put them on the Spiderman talk page. They list WHY he is an antihero, and an archtype of that kind of antihero! Corrupt one ( talk) 23:06, 19 February 2008 (UTC)
Slayers' Lina Inverse is deffinately an anti-hero; she always accidently destroys whatever town she was paid to save & recklessly endangers it's citizens, but always saves the day...& then demands a lot of money if no one is chasing her out.
Sam & Max would be anti-villians if they weren't the protagonists. These vigilantes drive recklessly shooting at cars, shoplift, torture rodents, tried to launch missiles at Antartica (& Crypton), break in & enter homes & sieze things without a warrent, make crank calls, tried to sell America to Canada, Max wants to destroy congress, & Max can't tollerate the idea of a world ruled by love & peace. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.19.236.142 ( talk) 21:17, 15 June 2008 (UTC) How does being the protagonist not make them anti heroes? do you even understand what anti hero means? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.40.209.76 ( talk) 03:13, 14 July 2009 (UTC)
I noticed there was some changes in the article as they could not find any definition of the word Antihero, so they could not mention its change in meaning. This is interesting, since a while back I provided a list of definitions for the word, and provided refferances, using about six or seven dictionaries and encylopedias. I wonder what happened to the list, which allowed up to view the changes of meaning over some time?
Maybe we can call them back and put them in a section all of their own. Corrupt one ( talk) 23:35, 15 June 2008 (UTC)
1940: Merriam-Webster New International Dictionary, Second Edition, lists the word but without a definition.
1962: Oxford Encyclopedic Dictionary defines it as "Hero of unconventional type in novel, etc."
1992: American Heritage Dictionary of the American Language defines anti-hero only as "a main character in a dramatic or narrative work who is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage" .
2004: Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, says: "(1714): a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities."
Here is what I had put up. There had been a few other entries that were basically the same, I remember. Corrupt one ( talk) 23:45, 15 June 2008 (UTC)
Agreed. The only main characters that do not fall under any of these definitions is a conventinal type of hero. I think it is important that such a wide range of possible characters is mentioned so people do not make the mistake of thinking that what other people list as antiheroes are not actually so, and try to edit their work. Corrupt one ( talk) 10:14, 3 July 2009 (UTC)
The three largest American dictionaries all spell it as a single word, without hyphen: Merriam-Webster Online; Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1), based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2006; and The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, 2000.
The term is also one word in The New Yorker, in such academic books as Antiheroes: Mexico and Its Detective Novel, Avatars and Antiheroes: A Guide to Contemporary Chinese Artists, and In Praise of Antiheroes: Figures and Themes in Modern European Literature, 1830-1980. -- Skippu ( talk) 19:10, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
Didn't there used to be an antivillain article? I can't seem to find it anywhere. If it was deleted, for what reason. An anti-villain is different than an anti-hero. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 151.196.181.144 ( talk) 03:38, 27 November 2008 (UTC)
The chaos comics character evil Ernie has been described as an anti-hero. I just want to know if chaos having defined him as an anti-hero (even though he IS also a villain) would change the definition of anti hero here because it seems your definition of anti hero is simnply that an anti hero is a very flawed hero but chaos defines anti hero as something different. So what is an anti hero really? If Evuil Ernie can pass as an anti-hero then your definition of anti hero needs revising. -Anonymous- —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.230.233.193 ( talk) 03:32, 27 May 2009 (UTC)
I think he is a hero, not antihero, because he has several redeeming qualities, and reader cheers for him. Can someone confirm? Turidoth ( talk) 02:35, 11 June 2009 (UTC)
I´m sorry if I have missed a point, but one thing seems very strange to me. After all this discussion, the definition on the top of the article says that an antihero has to be a protagonist.
Most of the discussion, opinions and reference definitions here seem to say otherwise.
As Corrupt One says: That means you can't have an antihero working in the backgrounds as a mysterious figure.
Duckthor ( talk) 12:16, 19 August 2009 (UTC)
This article as completely at variance with the term as I learned it in high school and college and as it is used in literary circles, though it is consistent with the way it is often misused in common parlance. Most of the examples I’ve seen in the article and in this discussion (and I haven’t read the entire discussion page) are examples of Byronic heroes. Most of them have, in fact, many of the qualities associated with heroes, most notably courage, often great competence, intelligence, perseverance and ingenuity. An anti-hero, on the other hand, would be better represented by Woody Allen than by Hannibal Lecter, and by John Updike’s Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom than by Karl Wagner’s Kane.
This is a serious issue; I believe this article to be so off-base as to misinform those who turn to Wikipedia for such information. No offense.
an antihero is a self covered base of human defence someone who acts like they left money in a burning building when its really their lover, detests comic heroes calls them cruel an antihero is by heart not head unlike comic heroes antiheros are not pompous but coragous. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.139.152.46 ( talk) 18:11, 2 November 2009 (UTC)
Why is Batman mentioned so frequently in this article?
This article focuses as much on the definition of the word antihero as its history. So why are comic book characters or pulp culture movies referenced almost exclusively?
Can somebody over the age of 17 please update this page? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.45.152.14 ( talk) 07:16, 15 April 2010 (UTC)
I have noticed that the "Distinction from unlikely heroes" section seems to focus solely on the distinction between traditional heroes and unlikely heroes. This seems like it could be somewhat misleading. It is not made clear whether or not there is a difference between an unlikely hero and an antihero and what such a difference may be. The reader has to therefore rely upon the other sections to determine whether there is such a difference or not (or they must rely upon their knowledge of how a traditional hero and an antihero differ... that is, if they know how a traditional hero and unlikely hero differ and how a traditional hero and an antihero differ, then they can figure out to a certain extent how an antihero and unlikely hero are different. Of course the problem with this, besides it being a roundabout way of going about things, is that when you complicate things like this (as far as language is concerned) misunderstandings inevitably result, but I must apologize for my digression) since antihero is not being clearly defined in the aforementioned section. I feel it would be better if unlikely heroes and antiheroes were both clearly defined beforehand and then the comparison was made between antiheroes and unlikely heroes, as opposed to the current form where the distinction seems to be between unlikely heroes and traditional heroes. As it stands, I'm somewhat unsure about the relevance of the given section. It's almost as if somebody took this from another page and forgot to edit it so that it would apply to antiheroes. Or perhaps antiheroes and unlikely heroes are one and the same? But if that is the case, then shouldn't the title for the section be "Distinction from traditional heroes"?
24.47.216.175 ( talk) 01:07, 7 January 2011 (UTC)
In lit crit the latter definition is the only one that I can recall being accepted.
The Clint Eastwood character in the spaghetti westerns is a hero. The one is Unforgiven is an anti-hero. Tirailleur ( talk) 18:03, 16 September 2011 (UTC)
This article is unique for confusing its definition of an anti-hero with a tragic hero. The assertion that an antihero has heroic qualities but has character flaws is the definition of a tragic hero. The references to blogs with that mistake is an effort to perpetuate their mistaken definitions that exist nowhere else. That is not the purpose of Wikipedia. The references to Merriam-Webster, Encyclopeida Britannica, and other online dictionaries in no way support the mistaken definition attempting to be espoused here. 208.53.79.39 ( talk) 00:14, 13 July 2012 (UTC)
The current page describes an antihero as "...a leading character in a film, book, or play..." But other forms of media use anti-heroes as well, including games (Disgaea's Laharl), poems(Childe Harold's Pilgrimage - Lord Macaulay), and comics (Deadpool). We should consider changing this line to "...in a story..." so that all forms of storytelling media can be accounted for. 71.246.13.59 ( talk) 18:38, 5 December 2013 (UTC)
antiheroes are typically inferior to the reader in intelligence, dynamism or social purpose -- makes the definition relative to the reader. People of very low intelligence, dynamism or social purpose can be readers. Some minimal intelligence is required to read, but typically the reader is sitting or lying: the typical anti-hero must be exceedingly inert if they are less dynamic than that! And what does it mean to be of inferior "social purpose"? Just because someone said it in a published work doesn't mean that it makes sense or should be included in the lede.
these heroes without naturalness as without identity -- does this refer to heroes or anti-heroes? either way I cannot make sense of it. If it's not about anti-heroes then it shouldn't be there, and if it is then it as best confusing and probably misleading. If anti-heroes are flawed then they are more natural (because natural persons are flawed) and potentially have more distinct identities.
The lede is confusing and overall the article is thin. There are very few examples -- it mentions several several genres and authors, and a few works but very few characters -- and all are literary. Not a single cinematic, televisual or popular culture reference! Even film noir doesn't get a mention. Here's a definition of anti-hero from that genre, one about three times better than the one in the lede:
The principal protagonist of a film who lacks the attributes or characteristics of a typical hero, but with whom the audience identifies. The character is often confused or conflicted with ambiguous morals, or character defects and eccentricities, and lacks courage, honesty, or grace. The anti-hero can be tough yet sympathetic, or display vulnerable and weak traits. Specifically, the anti-hero often functions outside the mainstream and challenges it. Qemist ( talk) 04:05, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
I, too, was confused by the lede. Often inferior in intelligence to the reader? I've never thought that to be the case at all, I find it to be often be quite the opposite, actually. Also, is the "sporting antihero" section necessary/relevant? — Preceding
unsigned comment added by
Mics 777 (
talk •
contribs)
07:12, 3 August 2014 (UTC)
The first sentence is the only sentence explaining what an antihero is, how well could you explain something in just one sentence? The rest of the article just talks about the antihero throughout history. The antihero himself is not described. No one reading the article will be any smarter than before. What is an antihero? Just any bad guy who turns good? -- 2.245.170.168 ( talk) 01:56, 14 February 2015 (UTC)
I've attempted to further elaborate on the description of what an antihero is. I included personality traits that are often present/highlighted in these types of characters and included a scholarly journal as a source for my description. Lexproj ( talk) 05:23, 20 November 2015 (UTC)
is Jonah of the Old Testament. Notably,the word "prophet" is missing from the book, and for a very good reason: Jonah lacks idealism, courage or morality. He is interested only in his image as a 'true' prophet -- even at the expense of the lives of all the people of Nineveh. 2601:8C0:427F:CEE1:65E6:8573:3EEB:268F ( talk) 10:52, 18 July 2017 (UTC)Shlomo Karni
This article was the subject of a Wiki Education Foundation-supported course assignment, between 22 August 2022 and 6 December 2022. Further details are available
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This article is somewhat confusing as it lacks examples for clarification. Is the use in describing the opposition to a tragic hero a second definition or a use case? Is Batman an antihero because of his backstory or is he a hero because of his selfless motives? The point about an antihero joining the heroic side of a conflict for selfish reasons could use an analogy, especially an example from pop culture. Even a real-life example could work, for example a defense company which caters exclusively to a side commonly considered "good", though it would be very hard to find a non-political example. A good pop culture example would be a movie or video game protagonist who performs typically-selfless actions e.g. "saving the world" in exchange for a reward. Survival is too common, a good example might be requirement with and/or survival of a friend or family member though a favor to win friendship, goodwill, or affection would also work. 22jcampb ( talk) 20:29, 8 June 2023 (UTC)
I understand this topic (the Antihero) is somewhat subjective, and is subject to all of our biases - which are intensified when we have/feel a personal attachment to characters in literature/film/media. I still think we should add an 'Examples' section with almost-certain examples in Modern Entertainment.
Examples which I faithfully assume we could all agree on would include:
- Sirius Black (Harry Potter), known for attempted murder and being imprisoned, whose drive as a supporter of the protagonist is unclear as to 'pure moral' or simply 'vengeful' motives
- Han Solo (Star Wars), known for stealing and smuggling, whose drive... is unclear as to 'pure moral' or simply 'lustful' motives (wooing Princess Leia)
I encourage your criticism/discussion. Let's make this concept easier for the less-literary to realise. VeraxVoice ( talk) 14:57, 16 October 2023 (UTC)
I'm not sure why wikipedia is always wrong, but someone please fix this. An "antihero" is not a hero that does good things for reasons that might be different that why the audience would do them. What?
And antihero is an anti-hero. The opposite of a hero.
"a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities" according to dictionary.com. 79.106.203.95 ( talk) 13:45, 23 March 2024 (UTC)
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My idea of an antihero is a bit different, especially when it comes to concrete examples. In my view an antihero is a main character that is lazy, selfish and hedonistic. It's someone with low moral values and no big ideals. He's to be distinguished from the
The examples I have in mind are mainly from the 19th Century:
Hmm. By this logic isn’t Ahab an antihero? Imaginejane12 ( talk) 04:19, 19 October 2022 (UTC)
Nancy Botwin on Weeds — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:588:100:BB0:E0A5:ACE3:2A1E:9094 ( talk) 18:30, 28 July 2023 (UTC)
Since the definition already in use seems to be causing so much confusion and disagreement with it, found a definition I would like to add to the main article that I found in the Oxford Encyclopedic Dictionary (Bay Books and Oxford University Press (C) 1962 (1983 reprint)) I think it sums up what an anti hero is neatly, while allowing for flexability for the changing on conventions.
Hero of unconventional type in novel etc.
Why this definition?
One of the most common definition states, with minor variations depending on the source, that an anti hero is "a character with few, if any, traditional characteristics or values." That leaves the door open for villians and other non hero people to be included as antiheroes.
The other main type of definition I have come across is "A protagonist with few, if any, traditional characterists." This also leaves the door open for villians, and also means that it only refers to one person/ small group of people. That means you can't have an antihero working in the backgrounds as a mysterious figure. You can't have them popping up to help, hinder, and do what they want.
Others try to define why an antihero is different from other heroes, and limit them in that way, so the definition can't include the full range of antiheroes.
I am giving you one month before I add this to the article to present cases why you think it should not be added. Corrupt one 00:09, 12 April 2007 (UTC)
I can see only two varibiles in this definition
The first is WHAT is a Hero. For that, I think it would be best to go to the Hero page
What is unconventional?
Does it depend on the culture, the age, the people who make them up, or what? Can an antihero become a conventional hero if that type of unconventional hero is adopted by culture and becomes a conventional type? Can the reverse occure when a culture changes and that type of hero is no longer conventional?
If anyone can find research to help clarify this for the article, I would appreciate it. Corrupt one 00:09, 12 April 2007 (UTC)
Actually, that may work. Mention in the definition area something like "The term antihero has a varity of definitions, ranging from unconventional heroes, a protagonist lacking heroic qualities or even one possessing traits antithetical to the traditional hero."
This will allow for all the definitions to be looked at, while not excluding any. Since the definitions are listed latter on, they can see them more clearly. It will also allow for people to understand WHY there is debate over what is and is not an antihero.
The change you propose to make would sugest that it was all part of the one definition and might of caused confusion.
My intent was to provide what I say as the broadest possible definition while not including all chacters who were not heroes, or excluding all characters other then the protagonist. If the definition I put up does not work, then mention the wide range, by all means.
Hell, I'm no expert, I just have what I admite is my point of view. Just as long as you allow people to see what there is and think for themselves, go for it. Corrupt one 02:24, 29 May 2007 (UTC)
Just on a side thought, with all those definitions, who are NOT included, except conventioal heroes? Corrupt one 02:29, 29 May 2007 (UTC)
Just thought I'd say something. The definition here for anithero is definitely a confusing one. I know that you may feel like cultural differences may change the definition of the term "hero", "villian", "antihero", etc. but surely you know that the truth is independent of what other people believe. Therefore, we the general populance, already know what a hero is and from there can say that an antihero is a hero that fulfills his role as a hero using unethical means. Always open to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism 147.70.153.95 ( talk) 16:17, 11 March 2010 (UTC)
I've gone through the article, mostly focusing on the first part in regards to definition. Cleaned that up so it's more presentable in the aspect of showing how the defintion has changed throughtout the years (which was previously mentioned in the beginning of the article).
Decided to remove the "examples" part at the bottom since it listed another 'specific' specific examples and the place to do that was in the body of the article. Am quite familiar with the example of Shinji Ikari and can validify such an example usage. However, Ikari's characteristics are better incorporated as a 'definition' rather than a specific example. Subject can be included in examples but with more detailed perspective.
This is just a cleanup and I have not yet removed the "clean up" notification implicated by Wiki, I leave this up to someone who can validify the actions done here. (
Dave
17:03, 1 May 2007 (UTC))
Surely Hannibal Lecter is the ultimate anti-hero? He is a 'hero' because he helps with a police investigation in a way only he can using his considerable powers of analysis etc that the police don't have. He also makes considerable self sacrifice in self-amputating one of his hands so he can be with Clarice. He is 'anti' because he eats people etc. I think this should be put in, by am unsure of how this should be included. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 213.146.157.138 ( talk) 15:02, 9 May 2007 (UTC).
I agree he is NOT a conventional hero. However, he was NUTS, and although that argues in his favor to BE an antihero, you must remember that his helping people was mainly to manipulate them to do what he wants, thus the hero part of being an antihero is HIGHLY debatable. Being a hero considers a persons deeds and intents. An antihero also looks at them. If he had no heroic intent or deed, then how can he be any type of hero? Corrupt one 23:55, 25 May 2007 (UTC)
From the discussion, you seem to be acting as de facto senior editor for this article. You have centered the literature section around Batman (with a glaring error that he dates from late 20th century, early 21st). Judging from the date of your BA, I can fairly assume you discovered the Miller or post-Miller version of the character. If editor after editor is trying to include other examples or engaging you about the validity of Batman, there is a reason. I discovered Batman way before Miller came around. I also read the Bob Kane first stories. And there was never any question that this was a hero, not a anti-hero. It's true that I was not around in 1939 and cannot say how readers thought of Batman then, if they thought that was an anti-hero or not. However, considering he was on the tradition of earlier pulp characters like The Shadow and The Spider, I very much doubt they did. The most characteristic feature of Bob Kane's art that comes to my mind is the broad smile that he put on both Bruce Wayne and Batman face so the "brooding" description is rather limited. And it's not a question of author's intent. To the readers Batman was and has always been a hero. The preclusion of further examples has the disastrous result that Batman appears as a typical example yet few readers can agree with it and want to come up with Magneto, Anakin or Wolverine. I proposed Sub-Mariner because he's supposed to be the first one. He's also unsympathetic which, although it is not stated, may be a key characteristic that differentiates heroes from anti-heroes in people's minds. So considering this article has two tags for improvement and you only revert others people's edits per the recent history and you're very vocal on the discussion page about defending your reasons, I'd like you to cut short on the discussion, be bold and do what you think is necessary to improve it. -- Leocomix 09:32, 1 August 2007 (UTC)
OK, thanks for clarifying. Adding a tag asking for a source is the correct thing to do. I have seen no consensus on Batman from the talk page. If we have to keep Batman which to me is a bad example of an anti-hero in the comic book tradition (there is a person in the talk page that expressed the same opinion), then I feel it is necessary to include more examples. I am not a fan of Sub-Mariner if that's your concern. It's just that as anti-heroes go in comic books, he's a famous and early example. As for the list, I agree, it should be deleted again. -- Leocomix 22:42, 1 August 2007 (UTC)
It seems that the term "anti-hero" is pejorative and subjective - it presupposes that there is an "authority" who defines heroic, villainous and anti-heroic values, qualities and attributes.
I propose the following:
It is agreed that the Western Christian tradition is dualistic.
Furthermore, the this tradition divides Creation between the Spheres of Good and Evil. (Regardless of how culturally created these spheres are.)
That the Classical Hero exists in the Sphere of Good.
That the Classical Villain exists in the Sphere of Evil.
That the anti-hero exists on the shifting borderland between Good & Evil. (Otherwise known as Liminality.)
That the anti-hero is a Liminal Being.
Therefore I suggest that the Anti-Hero be renamed.
I suggest the neologism: Limenethos to describe a character who exists in an ethical borderland. (from the Latin "limen"-threshhold, from the Greek "ethos"-moral character.)
As a side note, judging by the etymology of the key words, "Anti-hero", "Hero", "Villain", "Protagonist" and "Antagonist" none of these terms serve a useful descriptive purpose:
"Hero" - from the Greek meaning "demi-god" - does this mean that the Anti-hero is the "against demi-god"?
"Villain" - from the Latin meaning "farmhand"
"Protagonist" - Pro-"in favor of", agonizesthai "to contend for a prize"
"Antagonist" - Anti-"against", agonizesthai "to contend for a prize" (Is Austin Powers a villain because he contends against Dr. Evil's prize of ruling the world?)
Eh?Why? 14:38, 7 August 2007 (UTC)
I am strongly opposed to trying to change the term Anti-hero. It is an accepted word. We do not MAKE words, but make an encyclopdia of words that already exist using referances from the real world.
Also, a few other things. If we DID somehow rename antiheroes, we would still have to have an article on antiheroes to show what they are, since people who know the term will look for it.
Another matter; I believe you know that litteral translations do not count as the meaning of things. I base this on the fact that those examples you gave would mean you had a pretty stuffed up educvation if you believed they still meant their original meaning I state quiet freely that I believe you are trying to stir things up. I can appreciate it; just try to be more subtle and amusing in the future. Corrupt one 00:32, 9 August 2007 (UTC)
The articles don't seem to be clear on this. Although the two are very similar, the difference is not outlined. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 152.105.64.10 ( talk) 21:09, 7 October 2007 (UTC)
McMurphy is a couragous, idealist and has fortitude throughout his adventure of the story. He is proof that you can still be an anti-hero and have those traits. He lives by his own rules and does everything for his own benefits. He uses the patients in order to obtain better fortune for himself —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.102.77.193 ( talk) 18:07, 12 September 2007 (UTC)
Here is something from the part on contemporary littrature
"In modern times, heroes have enjoyed an increased moral complexity. From this, one could say that the popularity of the anti-hero has seemingly boomed but this is part of the continual evolution and redefinition of the hero"
My only problem with this is there is no referance, and without that, it may be deemed OR. Will someone please find some referance to support this? Corrupt one ( talk) 22:43, 5 December 2007 (UTC)
I noticed my recent addition has been removed; reading through the discussion list, I wonder if it was thought to be a "random list" that did not further the substance of the artice. However, I did not present the characters as random examples; rather, I was trying to point out that the antihero character seems to be common in pop culture today. I listed three well-known and critically acclaimed TV shows, and provided documentation from NY Times that supported the exact point I was trying to make. I am respectfully asking for an explanation why my edits were removed. It's very frustrating to spend an extended bit of time on an entry only to have it completely wiped a day later. (Oh, and my reward for asking this question once already is that the discussion suddenly gets archived and my post disappears). SgtOsiris ( talk) 17:49, 20 November 2008 (UTC)
How come Wikipedia has listed the Doctor as an anti-hero? What traits make him that and does it really apply to all Doctors? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.233.128.9 ( talk) 22:27, 15 December 2007 (UTC)
He lacks traditional heroic characteristics or values. he messes with time for fun, goes all over the place and time with little regard for other, and many other such things. Corrupt one ( talk) 23:00, 19 February 2008 (UTC)
I don't think that is the case, especially not in the current incarnation, I think he fits better the tragic hero model than the anti-hero. The Doctor after all places life as beyond value, risks his life for companions, is brave, caring, etc. which are all characteristics of a classic hero, he does have major flaws, but he is not an anti-hero. —Preceding unsigned comment added by JasonJD48 ( talk • contribs) 16:52, 29 March 2009 (UTC)
The Doctor first killed someone as a child. He killed a bully named Torvic. [1] He continues to kill again and again. It would not be exaggeration to say he's committed genocide many times over. [2] Even if you find a justification for every single incident that's still countless deaths. There's a reason he's known as a "Nameless terrible thing soaked in the blood of a billion galaxies." — Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.50.182.215 ( talk) 06:16, 25 November 2013 (UTC)
References
I found a few referances to Spider-Man as an archtypical antihero, and I figured I wllet you look at the bits I selected. I put them on the Spiderman talk page. They list WHY he is an antihero, and an archtype of that kind of antihero! Corrupt one ( talk) 23:06, 19 February 2008 (UTC)
Slayers' Lina Inverse is deffinately an anti-hero; she always accidently destroys whatever town she was paid to save & recklessly endangers it's citizens, but always saves the day...& then demands a lot of money if no one is chasing her out.
Sam & Max would be anti-villians if they weren't the protagonists. These vigilantes drive recklessly shooting at cars, shoplift, torture rodents, tried to launch missiles at Antartica (& Crypton), break in & enter homes & sieze things without a warrent, make crank calls, tried to sell America to Canada, Max wants to destroy congress, & Max can't tollerate the idea of a world ruled by love & peace. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.19.236.142 ( talk) 21:17, 15 June 2008 (UTC) How does being the protagonist not make them anti heroes? do you even understand what anti hero means? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.40.209.76 ( talk) 03:13, 14 July 2009 (UTC)
I noticed there was some changes in the article as they could not find any definition of the word Antihero, so they could not mention its change in meaning. This is interesting, since a while back I provided a list of definitions for the word, and provided refferances, using about six or seven dictionaries and encylopedias. I wonder what happened to the list, which allowed up to view the changes of meaning over some time?
Maybe we can call them back and put them in a section all of their own. Corrupt one ( talk) 23:35, 15 June 2008 (UTC)
1940: Merriam-Webster New International Dictionary, Second Edition, lists the word but without a definition.
1962: Oxford Encyclopedic Dictionary defines it as "Hero of unconventional type in novel, etc."
1992: American Heritage Dictionary of the American Language defines anti-hero only as "a main character in a dramatic or narrative work who is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage" .
2004: Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, says: "(1714): a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities."
Here is what I had put up. There had been a few other entries that were basically the same, I remember. Corrupt one ( talk) 23:45, 15 June 2008 (UTC)
Agreed. The only main characters that do not fall under any of these definitions is a conventinal type of hero. I think it is important that such a wide range of possible characters is mentioned so people do not make the mistake of thinking that what other people list as antiheroes are not actually so, and try to edit their work. Corrupt one ( talk) 10:14, 3 July 2009 (UTC)
The three largest American dictionaries all spell it as a single word, without hyphen: Merriam-Webster Online; Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1), based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2006; and The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, 2000.
The term is also one word in The New Yorker, in such academic books as Antiheroes: Mexico and Its Detective Novel, Avatars and Antiheroes: A Guide to Contemporary Chinese Artists, and In Praise of Antiheroes: Figures and Themes in Modern European Literature, 1830-1980. -- Skippu ( talk) 19:10, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
Didn't there used to be an antivillain article? I can't seem to find it anywhere. If it was deleted, for what reason. An anti-villain is different than an anti-hero. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 151.196.181.144 ( talk) 03:38, 27 November 2008 (UTC)
The chaos comics character evil Ernie has been described as an anti-hero. I just want to know if chaos having defined him as an anti-hero (even though he IS also a villain) would change the definition of anti hero here because it seems your definition of anti hero is simnply that an anti hero is a very flawed hero but chaos defines anti hero as something different. So what is an anti hero really? If Evuil Ernie can pass as an anti-hero then your definition of anti hero needs revising. -Anonymous- —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.230.233.193 ( talk) 03:32, 27 May 2009 (UTC)
I think he is a hero, not antihero, because he has several redeeming qualities, and reader cheers for him. Can someone confirm? Turidoth ( talk) 02:35, 11 June 2009 (UTC)
I´m sorry if I have missed a point, but one thing seems very strange to me. After all this discussion, the definition on the top of the article says that an antihero has to be a protagonist.
Most of the discussion, opinions and reference definitions here seem to say otherwise.
As Corrupt One says: That means you can't have an antihero working in the backgrounds as a mysterious figure.
Duckthor ( talk) 12:16, 19 August 2009 (UTC)
This article as completely at variance with the term as I learned it in high school and college and as it is used in literary circles, though it is consistent with the way it is often misused in common parlance. Most of the examples I’ve seen in the article and in this discussion (and I haven’t read the entire discussion page) are examples of Byronic heroes. Most of them have, in fact, many of the qualities associated with heroes, most notably courage, often great competence, intelligence, perseverance and ingenuity. An anti-hero, on the other hand, would be better represented by Woody Allen than by Hannibal Lecter, and by John Updike’s Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom than by Karl Wagner’s Kane.
This is a serious issue; I believe this article to be so off-base as to misinform those who turn to Wikipedia for such information. No offense.
an antihero is a self covered base of human defence someone who acts like they left money in a burning building when its really their lover, detests comic heroes calls them cruel an antihero is by heart not head unlike comic heroes antiheros are not pompous but coragous. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.139.152.46 ( talk) 18:11, 2 November 2009 (UTC)
Why is Batman mentioned so frequently in this article?
This article focuses as much on the definition of the word antihero as its history. So why are comic book characters or pulp culture movies referenced almost exclusively?
Can somebody over the age of 17 please update this page? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.45.152.14 ( talk) 07:16, 15 April 2010 (UTC)
I have noticed that the "Distinction from unlikely heroes" section seems to focus solely on the distinction between traditional heroes and unlikely heroes. This seems like it could be somewhat misleading. It is not made clear whether or not there is a difference between an unlikely hero and an antihero and what such a difference may be. The reader has to therefore rely upon the other sections to determine whether there is such a difference or not (or they must rely upon their knowledge of how a traditional hero and an antihero differ... that is, if they know how a traditional hero and unlikely hero differ and how a traditional hero and an antihero differ, then they can figure out to a certain extent how an antihero and unlikely hero are different. Of course the problem with this, besides it being a roundabout way of going about things, is that when you complicate things like this (as far as language is concerned) misunderstandings inevitably result, but I must apologize for my digression) since antihero is not being clearly defined in the aforementioned section. I feel it would be better if unlikely heroes and antiheroes were both clearly defined beforehand and then the comparison was made between antiheroes and unlikely heroes, as opposed to the current form where the distinction seems to be between unlikely heroes and traditional heroes. As it stands, I'm somewhat unsure about the relevance of the given section. It's almost as if somebody took this from another page and forgot to edit it so that it would apply to antiheroes. Or perhaps antiheroes and unlikely heroes are one and the same? But if that is the case, then shouldn't the title for the section be "Distinction from traditional heroes"?
24.47.216.175 ( talk) 01:07, 7 January 2011 (UTC)
In lit crit the latter definition is the only one that I can recall being accepted.
The Clint Eastwood character in the spaghetti westerns is a hero. The one is Unforgiven is an anti-hero. Tirailleur ( talk) 18:03, 16 September 2011 (UTC)
This article is unique for confusing its definition of an anti-hero with a tragic hero. The assertion that an antihero has heroic qualities but has character flaws is the definition of a tragic hero. The references to blogs with that mistake is an effort to perpetuate their mistaken definitions that exist nowhere else. That is not the purpose of Wikipedia. The references to Merriam-Webster, Encyclopeida Britannica, and other online dictionaries in no way support the mistaken definition attempting to be espoused here. 208.53.79.39 ( talk) 00:14, 13 July 2012 (UTC)
The current page describes an antihero as "...a leading character in a film, book, or play..." But other forms of media use anti-heroes as well, including games (Disgaea's Laharl), poems(Childe Harold's Pilgrimage - Lord Macaulay), and comics (Deadpool). We should consider changing this line to "...in a story..." so that all forms of storytelling media can be accounted for. 71.246.13.59 ( talk) 18:38, 5 December 2013 (UTC)
antiheroes are typically inferior to the reader in intelligence, dynamism or social purpose -- makes the definition relative to the reader. People of very low intelligence, dynamism or social purpose can be readers. Some minimal intelligence is required to read, but typically the reader is sitting or lying: the typical anti-hero must be exceedingly inert if they are less dynamic than that! And what does it mean to be of inferior "social purpose"? Just because someone said it in a published work doesn't mean that it makes sense or should be included in the lede.
these heroes without naturalness as without identity -- does this refer to heroes or anti-heroes? either way I cannot make sense of it. If it's not about anti-heroes then it shouldn't be there, and if it is then it as best confusing and probably misleading. If anti-heroes are flawed then they are more natural (because natural persons are flawed) and potentially have more distinct identities.
The lede is confusing and overall the article is thin. There are very few examples -- it mentions several several genres and authors, and a few works but very few characters -- and all are literary. Not a single cinematic, televisual or popular culture reference! Even film noir doesn't get a mention. Here's a definition of anti-hero from that genre, one about three times better than the one in the lede:
The principal protagonist of a film who lacks the attributes or characteristics of a typical hero, but with whom the audience identifies. The character is often confused or conflicted with ambiguous morals, or character defects and eccentricities, and lacks courage, honesty, or grace. The anti-hero can be tough yet sympathetic, or display vulnerable and weak traits. Specifically, the anti-hero often functions outside the mainstream and challenges it. Qemist ( talk) 04:05, 16 May 2014 (UTC)
I, too, was confused by the lede. Often inferior in intelligence to the reader? I've never thought that to be the case at all, I find it to be often be quite the opposite, actually. Also, is the "sporting antihero" section necessary/relevant? — Preceding
unsigned comment added by
Mics 777 (
talk •
contribs)
07:12, 3 August 2014 (UTC)
The first sentence is the only sentence explaining what an antihero is, how well could you explain something in just one sentence? The rest of the article just talks about the antihero throughout history. The antihero himself is not described. No one reading the article will be any smarter than before. What is an antihero? Just any bad guy who turns good? -- 2.245.170.168 ( talk) 01:56, 14 February 2015 (UTC)
I've attempted to further elaborate on the description of what an antihero is. I included personality traits that are often present/highlighted in these types of characters and included a scholarly journal as a source for my description. Lexproj ( talk) 05:23, 20 November 2015 (UTC)
is Jonah of the Old Testament. Notably,the word "prophet" is missing from the book, and for a very good reason: Jonah lacks idealism, courage or morality. He is interested only in his image as a 'true' prophet -- even at the expense of the lives of all the people of Nineveh. 2601:8C0:427F:CEE1:65E6:8573:3EEB:268F ( talk) 10:52, 18 July 2017 (UTC)Shlomo Karni
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This article is somewhat confusing as it lacks examples for clarification. Is the use in describing the opposition to a tragic hero a second definition or a use case? Is Batman an antihero because of his backstory or is he a hero because of his selfless motives? The point about an antihero joining the heroic side of a conflict for selfish reasons could use an analogy, especially an example from pop culture. Even a real-life example could work, for example a defense company which caters exclusively to a side commonly considered "good", though it would be very hard to find a non-political example. A good pop culture example would be a movie or video game protagonist who performs typically-selfless actions e.g. "saving the world" in exchange for a reward. Survival is too common, a good example might be requirement with and/or survival of a friend or family member though a favor to win friendship, goodwill, or affection would also work. 22jcampb ( talk) 20:29, 8 June 2023 (UTC)
I understand this topic (the Antihero) is somewhat subjective, and is subject to all of our biases - which are intensified when we have/feel a personal attachment to characters in literature/film/media. I still think we should add an 'Examples' section with almost-certain examples in Modern Entertainment.
Examples which I faithfully assume we could all agree on would include:
- Sirius Black (Harry Potter), known for attempted murder and being imprisoned, whose drive as a supporter of the protagonist is unclear as to 'pure moral' or simply 'vengeful' motives
- Han Solo (Star Wars), known for stealing and smuggling, whose drive... is unclear as to 'pure moral' or simply 'lustful' motives (wooing Princess Leia)
I encourage your criticism/discussion. Let's make this concept easier for the less-literary to realise. VeraxVoice ( talk) 14:57, 16 October 2023 (UTC)
I'm not sure why wikipedia is always wrong, but someone please fix this. An "antihero" is not a hero that does good things for reasons that might be different that why the audience would do them. What?
And antihero is an anti-hero. The opposite of a hero.
"a protagonist or notable figure who is conspicuously lacking in heroic qualities" according to dictionary.com. 79.106.203.95 ( talk) 13:45, 23 March 2024 (UTC)