The Most Interesting Character You'll Ever Write | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Most Interesting Character You'll Ever Write

A brief study of the antihero

2545
The Most Interesting Character You'll Ever Write
Aaron Mello

If you don't know what an antihero is, Google defines it as "a central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes."

I.e., a bad good guy... or a good bad guy.

Antiheroes are my absolute favorite type of character, as evidenced by my attraction to slightly darker fiction and the nature of many of my own characters. The reason I take such pleasure in reading/writing about antiheroes is because they seem to provide the most conflict. They are neither good nor evil, possess no clear moral compass, although the story usually dangles a promise of veering one way or the other. Getting attached to an antihero is no straightforward task (although I usually find myself doing it no matter what). They are puzzles, and darn good ones at that.

My favorite examples of antiheroes are Cassian Andor from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler).

(Minor spoilers below!)

Cassian's first scene in Rogue One involves him receiving important intel from a source who's clearly only half-reliable. Given the political climate of their surroundings, it's not surprising. However, since the viewer already knows Cassian is aligned with the Rebels, it is a surprise when he murders the contact so that he himself can escape uncaptured.

From the start, the viewer has mixed emotions about Cassian. On one hand, he is fiercely loyal to the Rebellion and ultimately wants to bring down the corrupt Empire, but on the other hand, he is willing to do terrible things to make that happen. He even admits this toward the end of the movie: "Some of us... most of us, we've done terrible things on behalf of the Rebellion ... Everything I did, I did for the Rebellion. And every time I walked away from something I wanted to forget I told myself it was for a cause that I believed in."

There are several points in the film where the viewer is still unsure whether or not they can trust him. This makes for an incredibly emotional experience, since we as the audience are forced to debate about how we feel about him real-time as the plot develops. This is prime storytelling.

Additionally, Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji is just as compelling (if not more). At age 12, he forms a contract with a demon in order to avenge the death of his parents. Throughout the following 134 manga chapters, his character doesn't simply develop toward goodness and forgiveness, as one would expect. The reader discovers just how willing Ciel is to murder, plunder and destroy anyone who gets in his way. He uses Sebastian, the demon, to perform his every whim, especially when it comes to cheating his way through situations.

However, he also displays moments of weakness and affection for the people around him. For example, in the Book of Circus arc, he infiltrates the circus to save the children. What he does in order to do that, as terrible as it is, is an extension of that instinct. Those glimmers of multifaceted behavior, especially as the lead protagonist, keeps drawing the reader in for more.

In short, the antihero is one of the most complex character types, and certainly one of the most fun to read and write about. I thoroughly enjoy casting many of my characters in gray light. Why read something straightforward when that one character can throw everything off and rip apart a reader's heartstrings? Writers certainly love to obliterate the heartstrings. What better character to accomplish that than the antihero?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185516
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11760
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455616
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25183
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments