What is an Antihero? How to Write an Unconventional Protagonist

[@ufomechanic11]

I appreciate how well he teaches. When he speaks on writing, it’s plain and articulate. Thanks, Jerry!

[@snowman4821]

This is great! I personally have a character that's a little bit of a knight in sour armor and mostly pragmatic. She's one of my favorite anti-hero characters I've ever thought up. I absolutely despise her, but also have compassion for her. this may sound a bit dark, but I really can't wait to write the scene that breaks her!

[@neptunedarling]

Thank you for teaching me how to write, Jerry. I appreciate it very much.

[@cashpat2000]

Thank you, Jerry. You have changed so many writer's perception if words. Brilliant. Your Guild is the most amazing resource online.

[@thedamnedatheist]

The knight in sour armour? Bogart in Casablanca. The best anti hero Ive ever read would have to be Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson.

[@aarlavaan]

I LOVE that series. Easily one of my favorites.

[@obscurum6]

Bogart plays him a bit too apathetic.

[@cl0ud88]

My favorite when reading is usually number 3 the Pragmatic, just his goal in sight and doesn't shy away from producing bodies to get there but is still, if questionable, righteous.

[@bja2477]

Jerry Jenkins, 21 times New York Times Best Sellers List author with over 200 books published - THE best writing teacher out there!

[@thelonepianist17]

Extremely helpful! Thank you Mr. Jenkins

[@askgilbertzan1210]

Greetings from Brazil. As already commented down below, you must be a God-sent dude. Taking the time to absorb your contents. Thank you so much for sharing your worth-gold expertise.

[@lhopegary5167]

Jerry, I understand everything you said! Thank you for being on KZbin!

[@frances5525]

Your advice is so helpful. I am a new to writing and appreciate your expert instruction.

[@dietsfreedietkitchen]

I want to thank you for your amazing videos; it was a year ago I found your channel, and step by step, I followed your advice, and now I have published my first book named ( The Tears of Mount Sinjar) and have the second one goings-on and still check your videos when I need help ☺️I appreciate your work 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rlcavender7912]

I want to thank you for all the advice and instructions you have given over the years. Under your advisement I can clearly see an improvement in my writing. Live long and prosper Jerry.

[@marioshannon]

I'm watching your videos for the first time. Actually, before the videos i never knew who you were,thank you very much

[@landonpraught9170]

Thanks so much this was very helpful for my next story . God bless you Landon

[@hello.6748]

My favourite example of an anti hero is kaz brakker from shadows and bone. He was so well written.

[@clintoreilly]

Thank you for sharing such valuable insight. It's always a pleasure learning from Mr Jenkins. To date, 'Left Behind' is a hit.

[@elainelabonte7835]

Jerry, Thanks for helping me turn my fuzzy thoughts in clear understanding.

[@johnmicah666]

My very first manuscript is in the process of being written and I have chosen to make my protaganist an antihero. Now I know he would be considered a pragmatist. Thank you for this video and I look forward to watching more.

[@xliquidflames]

Which one is Dexter Morgan? I'm also a pants-er. I am trying to write a character that's similar to Dexter in that he cares deeply about the people close to him, but in secret does things they would find abhorrent. Dexter has his "Dark Passenger" that he blames for his urges to kill. My character does it to protect the people he cares about and to exact is own brand of justice. The story has a medieval fantasy setting. I'm struggling with this character.

[@xliquidflames]

@LeVosgien LVHLS It does help. Thank you. My original comment is from a month ago. Since writing that comment, I have moved on to other things but I may revisit this after reading your ideas. Thanks again.

[@ΚΑΖΑΚΙΔΗΣΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ]

I had some doubts about the first volume of left behind series and despite the fact that english language isn't my maternal language, i found the book irresistible, and it captured my imagination, for days! Thank you very much for your books mr jenkins!

[@tysoncarver5181]

Thank you for the information. I've been following your videos for a few weeks now, and this one is just as helpful as the last few!

[@greaterovre7765]

Thank you, these videos are the most educative stuff I've seen about writing online

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

I am amazed at how much I learn from you.

[@MeMesofSavagery]

Good stuff sir. I`m Trying to Figure out writing for a video script. I like your channel. good job man

[@kishorebansfore5911]

Thank you, Jerry.

[@lynntoytrainmuseum8973]

Thank you! 🦈

[@Mark-fc7tu]

I've heard that the best way to understand character narratives is to look at the characters that people have resonated with in the past. Conflicted anti-heroes in JRPGs such as Luke fon Fabre, Neku Sakuraba and Cloud Strife. You also have pragmatic, driven, morally dubious schemers like Artemis Fowl. Though, after recent experiences in fiction and reality, I find myself leaning towards traditional, unambitious yet honest and kind heroes like Lloyd Irving and Sora from Kingdom Hearts. Because there's more to life than wit and snark.

[@Titere05]

As an RPG videogame player, I've noticed that when I was a boy and young teenager I played the hero as a proper, classical one, always choosing the good and honorable. Nowadays I'd say I play my heroes more like pragmatic anti-heroes, stealing or killing when it'll give me an advantage to defeat the "bigger evil". Maybe it's influenced by the fiction I consumed back then and now, or maybe I'm just rotting on the inside, LOL

[@AzureSymbiote]

That's interesting because I've become the inverse.

[@XlWolfMaster]

I think adults tend to compromise when it comes to idealistic moral-centered stories. That is why so many popular shows now have the main character play a villainous role. We like to see the extreme nature in which they can think and act upon. Because drama is fun for us.

[@dreamcatcher5502]

Very helpful but one request. Can you give more examples ? Most of those you gave I've never watched. Thanks

[@nadjas.8675]

Thank you so much for all the tips and inspiration! Greetings from Germany ☀️

[@naikekasongo7693]

Thank you Jerry

[@annah.1569]

This is very enlightening. In my short story I wrote years ago, the protagonist is a serial killing, misogynistic, gynecologist and a cannibal with a leg and "kinky boots" fetish. What type of antihero would he be?

[@paige420ontop]

AMAZING VIDEOOOO

[@markforster6457]

Thanks Jerry! I always learn from you.

[@bizboomer]

Thank you!

[@a.d2933]

It's embarrassing, but the main issue with my writing style is it's 75℅- 80℅ dialogues of characters and I ain't able to move further no matter how hard I try. If anyone has any solution or tips for me please help

[@susanmackey9619]

Consider the philosophy "Show me; don't tell me". Dialog is wonderful; the reader is deep into the relationship between the characters via conversation (talking, yelling, etc.) but the reader also needs description. Describe what is going on as a character walks up to a warehouse door, who knows there could be something bad inside. Let that character disclose to the reader what is going on in his head as he slowly walks to the door. Describe how the character makes the final decision and reaches for the doorknob. And so forth. The reader needs to see, in her head, what's going on. Dialog is fabulous; it makes the story sprint along, but give the readers something to "see" in their head with your descriptions, narration, information, and action.

[@susanmackey9619]

I located Jerry's video on "Show, Don't Tell". ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2mWgqV3dsehh7s

[@pankhurikhanna-tl9zl]

Thank you sir 🙏🏻

[@terrydaniels9126]

Another great video so interesting thanks

[@seraphime86]

Great video! I love snape 😊

[@avawolfe3423]

I have a character in my story who acts as a childhood enemy turned best friend of my MC. Her description doesn't match any of the types of antiheroes... just wondering what type of character she is.

[@Titere05]

I think these "types" of heroes and antiheroes are just archetypes, so characters (or people!) won't always exactly fall into any of these types, or exhibit the characteristics of one and only one type. In the end these are only guidelines

[@laurencemoore8519]

I have just discovered your channel and intend to watch all your videos tomorrow (after my writing hours). I`m half way through my first novel and have a question you have not covered that i`d like some advice on. My book is an historical novel set in 1918 crossed with war of the worlds and aimed specifically at us Boomers. However some of the characters are adapted versions of James Bond, Billy Bunter, colonel Mortimer and the man with no name out of "For a few dollars more," and other. In part its homage to them. Would there be problems with copyright?

[@henrryaliceamejia4843]

Very, very nice!

[@nqabayomuzikhulilekamangwe2690]

Thank you so much

[@mohammadmahdi4915]

Helpful as always 😃👌

[@The_Ultimate_Faker]

Great video! Looking forward to more. :D

[@jackdixon2063]

Brilliant information, thank you so much!

[@leadlacedinkeater6539]

thank you

[@WinryRockbellElric]

And the fifth type, Michael Corleone, who is just a straight up villain as the main character. But he's compelling and entertaining. The godfather is just fascinating, and great to learn how to write ultimately horrible characters and make us love them and not even understand it. Like... My dad and I don't like the characters, they're horrible, they commit the worst crimes imaginable, but the sheer mastery of storytelling just GETS you. That's the type of story id love to tell.

[@carlosglezdr2655]

Very helpful!

[@TheLittlechicthings]

Superb

[@chetannemade3418]

What are the key points to keep in mind while introducing villain and anti hero so they don't form a similar image in readers mind?

[@thelostgirl101]

I think Loki from the Marvel movies is my favorite Antihero. I love antiheroes, they are so interesting to write or read about.

[@cybersketcher1130]

What about Magnificent Bastards, like David Xanatos (Gargoyles), Thrawn (Star Wars), or Azula (Last Airbender). Where do they fit into this considering they're usually villains.

[@N0noy1989]

They are simply villains, lol.

[@MrAndrewGil]

​@@N0noy1989 xanatos not necessarily

[@devon_lettuce_tomato8637]

I have a question: can a hero in name only start out as a generally good guy who has a problem letting go of his actions in the past. Throughout the story something horrible happens to him and he transforms into literally a villain. Then after some time in that, through the insistence of genuinely good characters, he learns to sacrifice things so that he may start walking the path to being the actual hero again. I know that’s not grammatically perfect or really a question, but is this something that could tell a good story?

[@obscurum6]

You're mistaking "hero" to be an exalted state of higher status. A hero is what you do not what you are. So your heroes only BECOME heroes, they cannot be heroes to begin with. Everyone, every protagonist, has a hero in them. The hero is the potential, the journey, not the destination.

[@whycantiremainanonymous8091]

What about the type who's a hero in the eyes of his society, and at first in his own eyes, but it turns out his society is deeply morally corrupt?

[@akratisingh5842]

Sir big fan of your works over the years you have done soon forward to looking meeting with you but keeping on the other side , sir please I request you to write a fantasy series in your own vision a special request to you

[@sophialove5970]

Thank you.

[@ComplexAce]

Guess my entire cast is a cocktail covering the spectrum of antiheroes, have a nice day thank you very much.

[@richardford1283]

Hi Jerry - you had an amazing video on the process of writing impactful first lines in novels, but I can't seem to find it. Any chance you could repost or provide a link? Thanks.

[@kashadhanush]

Hero in Name Only...❤

[@jackwinebrenner496]

Hmm... Just the type of folks I've been victimized by during my tour of life. Yet, I still like some of them. Your remarks are right on, Jerry. Jack

[@funnyvideosera]

Thank u

[@jamestolbert1856]

Jesus was and is a perfect and relatable hero! He’s fully God and full human

[@RanawakaRanaaka]

And yet Judas betrays jesus is due to the hubris of JESUS!!!

[@Salt-Oil]

​@RanawakaRanaaka jesus didn't have hubris he was humble. I'm a hindu and even I know Jesus was a perfect master.

[@Salt-Oil]

Unless you're creating a perfect messianic superhero in your stories moral complexity is important to learn in your character writing and story archs.

[@obscurum6]

No one who didn't actually know Yeshua (Jesus) when he was alive can say what he was like. But we can be certain that no one, not even God, is perfect. Do not forget God made humans in their own image, ergo imperfect.

[@obscurum6]

​@@Salt-Oil No one who didn't actually know Yeshua (Jesus) when he was alive can say what he was like. But we can be certain that no one, not even God, is perfect. Do not forget God made humans in their own image, ergo imperfect.

[@humbertolivingstonjr.4327]

Great

[@SaywhatIwant2]

can a hero in name only achieve their goals?

[@SaywhatIwant2]

In a nutshell, my protagonist I'm creating is a serial-spree killer in a post apocalyptic America going on a journey from Colorado to Mexico with his careless, selfish, basically anti hero brother, to save their sister from a warlord/trafficker. in the end they do save their sister. is this possible?

[@ixmix]

Anti hero is more fascinating than hero…

[@johnjay370]

Hollywood has ben trying to make characters that people can imagine themselves as but doesn't realize that audience dont need to see themselves thay just want a relatable character. Those are not the same thing.

[@holbvgbbbbkfz]

Who among us can identify with perfection Martha Stewart

[@c.w.johnsonjr6374]

Many Christian “Heroes of the Faith” are perfect antiheroes. As Martin Luther said, "Simul Justus et Peccator"

[@docstockandbarrel]

👍🏻

[@noc9472]

Hello Jerry, have you heard the gospel?

[@SaywhatIwant2]

my boi is a christian, his son made the show "the chosen"

[@ravenmaga]

A lesson learned a day keeps the dr. away.

[@failedatmakingasandwich423]

0:36 AMOGUS

[@SaywhatIwant2]

fr

[@trafalgarlaw8373]

You've got some basic misunderstandings about what an antihero is. You seem to mistake any protagonist that's not a full hero for an antihero. To be an antihero you actually have to be a hero, and not every protagonist is a hero. Long ago the two were identical writing, you would say "Oh, so who's your hero?" but it's just not accurate anymore. Hannibal Lector is not an antihero. He is a complete villain. Making an evil character likable doesnt suddenly make them a hero. Same goes for Walter White. He's a villain protagonist. That's the word you're looking for: villain protagonist.

[@obscurum6]

Hannibal lector is definitely a villain and not a hero or antihero. But every protagonist is a hero, even if only to themselves. I think you're misunderstanding what hero means. A hero is created by becoming greater than the character started as. By overcoming the obstacles set up by the inciting incident they become a hero. So every protagonist grows into being a hero.

[@trafalgarlaw8373]

@@obscurum6 That's just... not what a hero is. What you're thinking of is a general protagonist. And not every protagonist is a hero to themselves either. Think of, idk, Ains from Overlord. But overcoming obstacles just makes you... a character doing stuff. The villain overcomes obstacles, as do his minions and random side characters. And growing as a person is usually a good thing for any character, because character development is fun, but also not necessary. Anakin in star wars gets worse, so to speak. Ned Stark in GoT stays relatively the same. And he's actually a hero, or at least the closest we get in GoT. When people think of "hero", think of superheroes. Superman, batman, the flash. People helping others, doing good, because its the right thing to do. What makes them super is their powers. The hero part is that self-risking, others helping, motivated part. By dictionary: a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities

[@obscurum6]

@@trafalgarlaw8373 Your definition of a hero isn't what Jerry and I are referring to. We are using it in the writer's sense. Have you read Joseph Campbell's 'The Hero's Journey'? In his book Campbell clearly defines the hero. "The journey of the hero is about the courage to seek the depths; the image of creative rebirth; the eternal cycle of change within us; the uncanny discovery that the seeker is the mystery which the seeker seeks to know.". As you can see you're only thinking of comic book heroes, which you have listed in your examples, but a hero is an internal process, not running around saving people. That is why you don't agree with Jerry or I about this. Your definition of a hero is one type of hero and not what heroes are. All protagonists are heroes as they all have to overcome obstacles, conflict and come out of it the other side a changed person.

[@obscurum6]

@@trafalgarlaw8373 Explain why you think "courage, being noble or having achievements and admirable qualities" has to mean (as you have stated you think) helping others and getting recognised for what you do by others? It simply doesn't. For example a single person with no family or friends who survived cancer has courage, they could be noble (high moral principles) and achieve great things by coming out of the cancer with a deeper understanding of themselves while gaining empathy in the process. That cancer survivor is therefore a hero (even by your dictionary definition!) but they did not save anyone else or gain recognition for any of their heroic qualities from anyone else. You need to read more widely, more classic literature and contemporary novels. You're getting stuck in a fantasy/sci-fi/comic marvel definition of hero and your writing will be stale and a mere pastiche of "Superman, Spiderman" etc.

[@obscurum6]

@@trafalgarlaw8373 Other examples of heroes: A single mother living in poverty who manages to get her child into college. An elderly man who overcomes his bitterness and grief of losing his wife to help his local youth group for children who had committed crimes. A couple who lost a child in a car accident. They overcome their loss to become foster parents while their marriage becomes stronger for it. A teenage boy who is bullied at school, others encourage him to get revenge on the school but he goes to therapy and becomes an advocate for other bullied children.

[@eyuphancoskun4246]

All I am hearing is hentai hero. Help...

[@evanwite3995]

Not to be rude but you look like Walter white ngl

[@terryfriend16]

Just write, then rewrite.

[@malikcollins7483]

I would love to write fantasy and murder mystery novels, yet as a Christian, there is a strange trepidation of not properly representing God.

[@Titere05]

Perhaps accurately portraying the opposite of God, is also a way of properly representing God! After all, denouncers have to be very specific about what they denounce, and why they denounce it, right?

[@Stratmanable]

Left Behind is the biggest piece of shit since Atlas Shrugged.