Hero vs. Anti Hero
Heroes and anti-heroes are two of the most fundamental archetypes in storytelling. These archetypes have been around for centuries and continue to be relevant and important in modern screenwriting.
The classic hero is a character who sacrifices personal happiness to pursue an unattainable goal that serves the greater good, while the anti-hero performs morally correct actions while acting primarily out of self-interest.
Let’s explore the importance of understanding these archetypes and how to effectively use them in contemporary screenwriting.
The classic hero is a character who embodies the traditional values of courage, honor, and selflessness. They are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, and their actions are guided by a strong moral compass. Classic heroes have been a staple of storytelling for centuries, and their appeal has endured over time.
One example of a classic hero in modern movies is Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rogers is a soldier who was transformed into a super-soldier and fights for the American ideal of freedom and justice. He is a character who embodies the values of sacrifice and selflessness.
Jack Shephard from Lost is an excellent example of a classic hero. Jack is a doctor who becomes the leader of the group of survivors on a mysterious island. He is willing to put his own life on the line to protect his fellow survivors, and his actions are guided by a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
The anti-hero is a character who performs morally correct actions while acting primarily out of self-interest. They are often flawed and have a darker side to their personality. The anti-hero has risen in popularity in modern storytelling, as audiences have become more interested in complex and multidimensional characters.
One example of an anti-hero in modern movies is Tyler Durden from Fight Club. Durden is a charismatic and manipulative character who starts an underground fight club. He is a character who is not afraid to break the rules and is willing to use violence to achieve his goals.
Sylar from Heroes is an excellent example of an anti-hero. Sylar is a villain who has the ability to steal the powers of other superhumans. He is a complex character who is driven by his desire to understand and control his powers, even if it means killing other superhumans.
Blending elements of classic heroes and anti-heroes can create complex and multidimensional protagonists. It is important to develop the character's growth and development throughout the story to make them relatable and engaging. This evolution of the character can add depth to the protagonist and make them more dynamic.
An example of a character who starts as an anti-hero and evolves into a more classic hero is Walter White from Breaking Bad. Walter is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling meth to provide for his family after he is diagnosed with cancer. As the series progresses, Walter's actions become more and more questionable, but he ultimately finds redemption in the final season.
Michael Burnham from Star Trek: Discovery is a character who evolves throughout the series. Burnham is a Starfleet officer who makes a controversial decision that leads to a war with the Klingons. She spends the rest of the series grappling with the consequences of her actions and trying to make amends.
Updating classic hero and anti-hero archetypes is important to make them relevant and relatable to modern audiences. It is essential to address contemporary issues and themes through the lens of these archetypes. This can help create characters that resonate with audiences and are relevant to the times in which they live.
An example of a classic hero with modern sensibilities is Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. Katniss is a character who embodies the values of courage and selflessness, but also questions the government's actions and stands up for what she believes in. Her character is a reflection of the political and social issues that are prevalent in today's society.
Shadow Moon from American Gods is an anti-hero who navigates a world of gods and technology. Shadow is a character who is initially motivated by self-interest, but as he becomes more involved in the world of the gods, he starts to question his own motivations and values. His character is a reflection of the rapidly changing world and the challenges that come with it.
Supporting characters can complement and challenge the protagonist, helping to emphasize their hero or anti-hero qualities. It is important to create well-rounded supporting characters that contribute to the protagonist's journey.
An example of a supporting character who complements the classic hero is Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings. Sam is a loyal and dependable friend who helps Frodo Baggins complete his mission to destroy the One Ring. Sam's unwavering support and selflessness highlight Frodo's heroism and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
Will Graham from Hannibal serves as a foil to the anti-hero, Hannibal Lecter. Will is an FBI profiler who is tasked with catching serial killers, including Hannibal. Will's empathy and moral compass stand in stark contrast to Hannibal's psychopathic tendencies, highlighting the dark nature of the anti-hero.
Understanding and effectively using classic heroes and anti-heroes in modern screenwriting can help create compelling and memorable stories that resonate with audiences across generations.
By blending elements of these archetypes, developing characters throughout the story, adapting archetypes for modern audiences, and creating well-rounded supporting characters, writers can create complex and multidimensional protagonists.
These characters can inspire, challenge, and entertain audiences, leaving a lasting impression on those who watch their stories unfold. Remember that the power of a well-crafted protagonist is to create a story that people will want to watch and talk about for years to come.
