What makes a character an antihero, compared to a conventional hero?

[WilliamPamer446]

[BCRanger10]

It's about the mindset and motivation.

A "conventional hero" usually has a more optimistic outlook and a "can-do" attitude, strong ideals, and has a generally good moral character. They fight for good because they love their home, their family, and because they feel a sense of duty. On the flipside, they may also be reluctant, naive, overly eager, or impulsive. They may be untested and require some growth. This does not however mean that they're weak or cowardly. They can still be physically strong, brave, and skilled.

Obviously, this is just a general assessment and not a one-size-fits-all. Characters like this would be Luke Skywalker, Clark Kent/Superman, or Will Turner.

The anti-hero is more jaded, cynical, and hardened. They may still have good ideals, but are still likely to be more interested in what's in it for them, or they're on a quest for vengeance or redemption. They may be darker, more brooding, wounded, and complex. They'll be more likely to cross certain moral lines than the hero would. They could also just be self-interested scoundrels; they just want the paycheck, the women, and their next round of alcohol.

Again, also just a general assessment. Anti-hero characters would be Han Solo, Bruce Wayne/Batman, Jack Sparrow, and Indiana Jones.

[whorable]

anti hero is like a broken person who fights the bad guys out of revenge. regular hero’s do it just 2 be good