Page 70 - Character Designer's Handbook [2020 Sampler Edition]

Introduction

Every story needs a protagonist but sometimes a situation calls for

something a little less traditional. Anyone can make a knight in shining

armor, all-american hero, or golden-hearted warrior but sometimes

having a hero who isn't typical can add a whole new level of appeal to

the character.

What is an Anti-Hero?hat is an Anti-Hero?
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An anti-hero isn't a villain but they also aren't saints.
When you consider an anti-hero think more along the
lines of it being a non-traditional rendition of a classic
protagonist archetype.

For example, instead of a brave righteous knight have
your princess rescued by a bandit with a conscience or a
pirate. These are roles that are fully capable of being
heroes but not ones you automatically categorize as
being heroic.

Another anti-hero method can be to use a race with a
more negative feel for the hero like a drow,demon,troll
or vampire. You can create an anti-hero by having their
abilities be a double-edged sword that can help or hurt.
You can even make an anti-hero simply by making
them look atypical. This can be done by making them
less perfect looking and more unique looking. Make
them look exotic or use a less common body build. You
can even make them kind of plain looking but really
extraordinary under the surface.

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