What is an anti-hero?
antihero /ăn′tē-hîr″ō, ăn′tī-/
noun
- A main character in a dramatic or narrative work who is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage.
- A protagonist who proceeds in an unheroic manner, such as by criminal means, via cowardly actions, or for mercenary goals.
- A protagonist who lacks the characteristics that would make him a hero (or her a heroine).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
The portrayal of a good anti-hero can make that character as appealing as a "normal" hero/protagonist. Using the "bad boy" method for a protagonist, if done well, can generate a certain attraction to the man who does things in a less heroic way while managing to get whatever the "job" in the story requires done.
I recently finished a novel featuring an anti-hero. I wanted to like him because, in spite of his problems which produced his actions, he had a noble history but with plenty of trauma. I vacillated in my opinion of him while maintaining concern and compassion for his well-being.
An author takes a considerable risk when creating an anti-hero. Making him too much of a bad guy or too messed up can cause a reader to discard the character and move on to another book. The worst danger when creating an anti-hero is finding that fine line for a reader where they either decide to like him in spite of himself or they resort to abandoning him and not caring what happens to him.
Do you have a favorite anti-hero?
Father, thank you for the creative skills you've given to authors. Thank you for the inspiration to write creatively. Keep me doing it, please. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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