antihero
Say it: AN-tee-heer-oh /ˈæntiˌhɪərəʊ/ · noun
What “antihero” means
A main character without the usual brave or good qualities.
More precisely: A central character who lacks conventional heroic qualities like courage or morality.
Example: “Breaking Bad's Walter White is the definitive modern antihero.”
When to use it
When discussing a story led by someone cowardly, selfish or morally questionable whom we still follow with interest.
Similar words
flawed protagonist, rogue, non-hero
Quick check
A novel follows a selfish, cowardly smuggler as its main character, rather than an admirable rescuer. What is he?
a villain or an antihero?
Show the answer
an antihero
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