antihero Definition
- 1a central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes
- 2a protagonist who lacks the qualities that make a heroic figure, such as nobility of mind and spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose, and the like
Using antihero: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antihero" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Walter White from Breaking Bad is an antihero.
Example
Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye is an antihero.
Example
Tony Soprano from The Sopranos is an antihero.
antihero Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for antihero
- non-hero
- flawed hero
- villain protagonist
Antonyms for antihero
Phrases with antihero
Example
Macbeth is a tragic antihero because he starts out as a noble and respected figure but ultimately meets his downfall.
a protagonist who is not conventionally heroic and may do morally questionable things, but is still likable and relatable
Example
Deadpool is a comic antihero because he is a mercenary who kills people for money, but is also funny and endearing.
a protagonist who is alienated from society and struggles to find meaning in their life
Example
Meursault from The Stranger is an existential antihero because he is disconnected from the world around him and does not conform to societal norms.
Origins of antihero
from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against' + 'hero'
Summary: antihero in Brief
An 'antihero' [an-tee-heer-oh] is a central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes. They often have flaws and engage in morally questionable behavior, but are still the protagonist of the story. Examples include Walter White from Breaking Bad and Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. Different types of antiheroes include tragic, comic, and existential antiheroes.
