Another one is 'A Clockwork Orange'. Alex, the protagonist, is far from a typical hero. He is a violent criminal. However, in the story's exploration of his character and the society's reaction to him, there are elements of his 'heroic' (in a very twisted way) journey that end in a rather unexpected and in some ways, a 'death' of his former self as he is changed by the Ludovico Technique.
One example could be 'Watchmen'. In this novel, the so - called heroes have complex and often dark personalities. Rorschach, for instance, is a very anti - hero - like character. His fate at the end is quite tragic, which in a way shows the death of a hero in a non - traditional sense. The whole story challenges the traditional concept of heroes and shows that even those with powers can be deeply flawed.
Kaz is definitely one of the most interesting. His cunning and ability to plan elaborate schemes are remarkable. He also has a dark past that haunts him and shapes his character. Another is Inej. Her skills as a spy and assassin are cool, and she has a strong moral compass despite being part of this group of anti - heroes.
Well, in anti heroes novels, the characters usually lack the typical heroic virtues. They may be cynical or have a dark past. These novels often explore the gray areas of morality. The anti - hero may break the rules, yet their actions can be seen as necessary in the context of the story. They are more relatable than the perfect heroes as they mirror the flaws and contradictions within human nature.
In 'Sin City', many of the characters are anti - heroes. Marv, for example, is a brute of a man. His story is filled with vengeance and bloodshed. And his story arc shows how the typical hero - like qualities can be distorted and in the end, some form of the 'hero' within him dies as he is consumed by his own dark desires and the violent world he lives in. It's a very noir - ish take on the anti - hero and the death of heroes concept.
Anti - heroes in novels often have flaws and vices. They may not abide by the traditional moral code. For example, they could be selfish or cynical. They usually operate on their own terms, not those of society's ideals.
One of the best is 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. The characters in it are complex anti - heroes, blurring the lines between good and bad. Another great one is 'The Dark Knight Returns' which features Batman as an aging, more morally ambiguous anti - hero. 'A Clockwork Orange' also counts, with its protagonist Alex being a disturbing anti - hero who challenges the concepts of free will and morality.
A popular trope for OC anti - heroes in My Hero Academia fanfiction is the 'Secret Identity'. They might have a normal - looking civilian identity and then transform into their anti - hero persona when the situation calls for it. This adds an element of mystery. The 'Powerful but Unstable' trope is also common. Their quirk could be extremely powerful but difficult to control, which sometimes makes them a danger to themselves and others. This can lead to interesting storylines where they have to learn to master their power while also dealing with the world's perception of them.
Anti - hero novels often feature protagonists who lack traditional heroic qualities like moral perfection. These characters might be self - centered, flawed, or even immoral at times. For example, in 'American Psycho', the main character Patrick Bateman is a wealthy and narcissistic Wall Street executive with violent and disturbing tendencies. The stories in anti - hero novels usually explore complex themes such as the nature of good and evil, the human psyche, and society's impact on individuals.
Anti - hero novels often have protagonists who lack traditional heroic qualities like moral uprightness. They might be self - centered or have flaws like addictions. For example, in 'Requiem for a Dream', the characters' drug addictions drive the story.
'All Quiet on the Western Front' can also be considered in a way. The protagonist Paul Bäumer is an anti - hero in the sense that he has no real choice but to be in the war. He witnesses the brutality and futility of war, and his experiences shatter any romantic notions of war. His story is about survival and the loss of innocence in the context of war.
One of the best is 'Watchmen'. It features complex anti - heroes like Rorschach. His uncompromising view of justice, despite his own moral ambiguities, makes him a fascinating character. Another great one is 'The Boys'. It deconstructs the superhero genre by showing the dark side of so - called heroes, with characters like Billy Butcher who will stop at nothing to take down corrupt heroes. Also, 'Preacher' is a notable anti - hero graphic novel. The main character, Jesse Custer, has a very unorthodox and often violent way of dealing with the world's problems.