Page 71 - Character Designer's Handbook [2020 Sampler Edition]

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Advantages to Using an Anti-Hero
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An anti-hero can become more relatable and appeal to a common person more
because they aren't cookie cutter or perfect. They can also pan out to be far more
intriguing. The key to an anti-hero is that they have flaws like a person and have
to develop more than a hero cut from a mold. They may have a darker past or
shadier lifestyle to contend with that a traditional protagonist wouldn't.

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General Usage Notes
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-Don't turn your anti-hero into a villain.Think good person but bad role as a rule of
thumb and maintain a good balance of things in their personality.
-Don't develop them into a traditional protagonist. Their anti-hero qualities should
remain a core part of their character even as they develop. Removing it will take
the edge and appeal away from the character.
-Remember that protagonist roles are unisex. Females can be an interesting anti-
hero too.
-Anti-hero characters can be a little darker than a traditional one but they should
still have values and a backstory.

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