The Anti-Hero
by Adam Huddleston
The anti-hero is a literary device where the protagonist does not possess conventional hero characteristics. For example, most heroes are seen as brave, strong, ethical, and intelligent. The anti-hero, while still playing against the antagonist, may display features opposite to these.
Nobody is perfect. Having a protagonist with internal and/or external flaws makes them more relatable to the reader. Part of enjoying a story is putting yourself in the hero’s shoes.
Famous anti-heroes include: James Bond (border-line alcoholic and womanizer), Jay Gatsby (over-extravagant and obsessive), and Severus Snape (dark and malicious). I highly recommend utilizing this literary device in your writing. It definitely adds more depth to your craft.