What is an Anti-hero?

[Osaji Onochie]

I would like to get the opinion of members on the above stated topic, thank you.

[dpaterso]

I'd say it's a main character who isn't a good guy in the traditional sense, who may have selfish goals and be capable of violence and other stuff that should turn the audience off, but is so interesting that we want to follow his story regardless. He's the bad guy we root for.

Looking it up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-hero

-Derek

[kayg]

The Man With No Name from Leone's trilogy.

[FTL]

DeNiro in Taxi Driver is a pretty good example.

[ManyAk]

Henry : Portrait of a Serial Killer is the definition of Anti-Hero.

[ricetalks]

Usually a reluctant hero. A guy who does the right things but not necessarily for all the right reasons.

[mario_c]

King Kong. :D
Snake Plissken, Escape From New York.
Vincent and Jules in Pulp Fiction.
The title character of Bad Lieutenant.
Nick Naylor, Thank You For Smoking.
The 3 prior examples are great too.

We wouldn't like them if we met them outside of the story, but getting to know them and what they're about, we end up wanting them to win or be redeemed in some way.

[Cybernaught]

Gene Hackman's character in The French Connection.

Snake from the Escape movies.

[8thSamurai]

Wolverine.

Spawn.