One factor that can make an anti - hero among the best is their moral ambiguity. The Punisher is a prime example. He takes the law into his own hands and brutally kills criminals. His methods are completely against the law and normal moral standards. But his motivation, which is often a personal vendetta against those who have wronged him or society in general, makes him a fascinating anti - hero. He exists in a gray area between right and wrong, and that's what makes him so interesting in the world of fiction.
An anti - hero being the best can be due to their ability to change the narrative. Take Tyler Durden from 'Fight Club'. He challenges the consumerist society in a very extreme way. He starts as an idea in the narrator's head and then becomes a real force that shakes up the world within the story. His actions are violent and unethical, but he forces the other characters and the readers to re - evaluate the world they live in.
Well, courage is a big factor. Take Harry Potter for example. He had the courage to face Voldemort even when he was just a kid. He knew the danger but still stepped up. Another thing is self - sacrifice. Jean Valjean in 'Les Misérables' sacrificed his own freedom and safety for the well - being of others. That's what makes a hero great in fiction.
A great anti - hero in fiction typically has a complex personality. They can be charming and witty like Deadpool, but also capable of great brutality. They are not as straightforward as traditional heroes in their motives and methods. They might be outcasts in society, not fully accepted by the 'good guys' or the 'bad guys'. Their actions are often driven by personal vendettas or a sense of justice that is different from the mainstream.
One of the best anti - heroes in fiction is Deadpool. He has a unique sense of humor and doesn't abide by the traditional superhero rules. He's willing to kill his enemies and often breaks the fourth wall, which makes him extremely entertaining and different from typical heroes.
An anti - hero in such a novel is unique because they are often not the typical 'good guy'. Instead of following the traditional heroic path, they might use the 'tormentor mine' situation to their advantage in ways that are not always morally upright. For example, they could use the danger of the mines to eliminate their enemies while also putting innocents at risk.
Often, it's their internal conflict that defines them as a fallen hero. Take Macbeth from Shakespeare's play. He was a nobleman, but his ambition, spurred on by the witches' prophecies, led him to commit heinous crimes. His internal struggle between his conscience and his desires made his character complex and his fall a great study in human nature. So the presence of internal moral and psychological battles can make a character a fallen hero.
Well, 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch is a top pick. Locke is a con artist in a fantasy world, far from the typical hero. He uses his wits and charm, often for self - serving purposes at first. Then there's 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman, which has characters like Shadow who have a dark side and don't fit the classic hero mold. Also, 'The Blade Itself' in The First Law series is great for its anti - hero Glokta.
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.
In an excellent anti - hero romance, the anti - hero has a certain allure. In 'Dracula' (the novel), Dracula himself can be seen as an anti - hero in a sense. His relationship with Mina is a strange and alluring one. He has a power and a mystery that draws her in. Also, the moral ambiguity of the anti - hero adds depth to the relationship. They may not always make the right decisions, and this creates a more complex and realistic portrayal of love compared to traditional romances where the hero is often morally pure.
Anti - hero crime fiction often features protagonists who are morally ambiguous. They may break the law or have unethical behaviors themselves while fighting crime in some way. For example, they might use violent or unorthodox methods that traditional heroes wouldn't use.
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.