Modern Tragic Hero
The English Renaissance, The age of Enlightenment and Romanticism brought forth character
that is not noble, may not need an epiphany of his destiny, or may suffer without the ability to
change events that are happening to him.
The story may end without closure or without the death of the hero.
The modern tragic hero may be easier for the audience to understand because he / she is more
accessible and comparable to their own life.
The Anti-Hero
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a character that has some characteristics of a villain or outsider but is also portrayed
somewhat sympathetically
will also have enough heroic qualities and intentions to win the reader’s approval
can be awkward, antisocial, alienated, obnoxious, passive, pitiful, or just ordinary
fundamentally flawed
the character will change over time; this will lead to either punishment or redemption
Types of Anti-Heroes
The Drifter:
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feels helpless, distrusts conventional values and is unable to commit to any ideals
accepts and often relishes their status as an outsider
The Failure:
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constantly moves from one disappointment in his life to another
persist and even attain a form of success
deep-seated optimism; in the end, they still meet with failure
The Flawed Everyman:
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ordinary character who lacks any heroic aspects and also feature one or two very
negative personality traits
due to circumstances beyond their control they are thrust into extraordinary situations
that one would expect a hero to deal with
may behave immorally or cowardly: they lack the malice of villains and the bravery or
self-sacrifice of heroes