When you are getting into writing, sometimes you want to play with the character archetypes in order to then refine and find your own voice. Among those types are two pillars of characters: the antihero and the villain (or antagonist). Today, I want to go over the differences between the two and talk about how you can use them in your writing. Sound good? Let's dive in. What is an Antihero?An antihero is a central character in a story, movie, or television show that lacks conventional heroic attributes you'd find in a traditional protagonist. They are often defined by the traits they share with an antagonist. They use, at times, unsavory methods to get the job done. Their character arcs can soften them or harder them depending on the narrative. Either way, when writing one of these people you need to make them feel like a real person. We need to identify with them and their cause, even if it goes against our value system.This makes them interesting and relatable. Antihero Traits Antiheroes can be liars, vulgar, violent, angry, incredulous, and sarcastic.An antihero is not your typical protagonist because their personality traits are much more complicated. For example, while a hero may show courage in the face of danger, antiheroes might run away. Like Han Solo does at the end of the first Star Wars movie. Though, he does come back.This goes for opposites amongst physical traits too.Antiheroes don't have to be sexy or traditionally hot. They can be awkward, ugly,...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Friday, 7 March, 2025