WaywardFan

Okay, folks. I need some help.

I’m currently quite intrigued with the concept of an anti-hero. Problem is, I am by nature a very black and white guy. I don’t think I fully ‘get’ the whole gray thing. Moreover, I’ve never been too personally interested in them like many people are.

Everyone seems to like Boba Fett. Why?

I guess the most current example of an anti-hero is Riddick. I am planning on seeing the new movie to see if I can glean any more insight into it all, but I thought I’d also try this resource.

So, what IS an anti-hero exactly? What traits and actions define one? Are they evil, selfish, or just indifferent. And what makes them so appealing???

In order to write one, I feel I need to know more about them.

Thank you!

Sean

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vikesfan

Well anti-heroes are on a continuum. They can be totally evil such as Ripley in the Ripley books or the Ripley movies. Or Hannibal Lector is another one like that.

Then there are the anti-heroes who aren't white but they aren't necessarilly all black either such as the Man With No Name. Outlaws, conmen etc fall into this category. They are somewhat shady but not evil.

SirChaz

Wow good one.

Bobba Fett is popular I think because he is really good (or the best) at what he does. He is ruthless but he has a kind of code or integrity to his actions.
A good anti-hero has to be true to a set of values even if those values are not all the ones that "proper society" would agree with.

of course what is a hero? In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.

The anti-hero is then also a bit of a hard luck story. He is not favored or does not come from a good background but through the force of his own personality and being makes his own place in the universe. Maybe the character has been forsaken by the society, the family, or the establishment and therefore forsakes them in return.

Here is a quote your post made me think of.

Every normal man must be tempted at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. — H.L. Mencken


I hope this is helpful (and makes sense).

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vince56

Boba Fett backtalked Vader in front of his troops and got away with it.

'nuff said.

Ryanwb

I liked Fett when I was a kid because he had badass'd armor, a rocket pack and cool weapons. The storm troopers armor was cool too, but they were many, Fett was one....plus they were lacking the rocket pack.

Pariah

The Punisher is a good anti-hero. He doesn't see any greys, either. You break the law--any law-- and you will be "punished."

I think an anti-hero (and I don't think Boba Fett qualifies) has to have a purpose that the audience can relate to, but doesn't use methods that most people would approve of. I don't know if that's a technical definition, but it seems to me that's what it is.

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SirChaz

O'yea the Punisher is a good one.

Batman (at least the Dark Knight not the TV show) could be considered an anti-hero as well.


Yea, a missle launching rocket pack is not a hard sell.

__________________
“votes are collared under democracy, not by talking sense but by talking nonsense.” ~H. L. Mencken