anti-hero
UK[ˈæntiˌhɪərəʊ]US[ˈæntiˌhɪroʊ]
n
A central character in a story, film, or play who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as idealism, courage, or morality.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
hero
anti
against
hero
protagonist
Etymology
The term "anti-hero" is a modern English compound, formed by directly combining the Greek-derived prefix "anti-" with the noun "hero." The prefix "anti-," meaning "against" or "opposite," was adopted into English from Latin and French, which borrowed it from the Greek preposition "anti." The word "hero" entered English through Old French and Latin, tracing back to the Greek "hērōs," originally denoting a demigod or an illustrious warrior. The compound "anti-hero" logically constructs its meaning by setting this classical, idealized protagonist in direct opposition, creating a character defined by the absence or inversion of conventional heroic virtues, thus reflecting a more modern, nuanced, and often cynical view of protagonism.
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + hero (protagonist)
- anti: From Greek, via Latin and French. A prefix meaning "against," "opposite of," or "rival."
- hero: From Greek hērōs, via Latin. A noun meaning a person admired for great courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
Examples
The film's protagonist is a classic anti-hero, motivated by greed rather than a sense of justice.
Many modern novels feature an anti-hero as a more relatable and flawed central figure.
His character evolved from a traditional hero in the first book to a brooding anti-hero in the sequel.