Are you tired of reading about the same old hero’s journey? The one where the protagonist goes through trials and tribulations only to emerge as a triumphant hero? Well, let me introduce you to a new type of journey – the anti-hero’s journey.
Unlike the typical hero, the anti-hero is flawed, often morally ambiguous, and not necessarily likable. But that’s what makes them interesting. In this blog, we’ll explore how misfit characters find redemption in fiction.
The Anti-Hero’s Dilemma
The anti-hero’s journey starts with a dilemma. They are often outcasts, rejected by society for their actions or beliefs. They struggle with their place in the world and are faced with a choice: to continue down their current path or to change their ways.
One of the most famous anti-heroes in literature is Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye.” Holden is a troubled teenager who is expelled from school and spends the rest of the novel wandering the streets of New York City, trying to find his place in the world. His dilemma is whether to continue his reckless behavior or to try to change.
The Anti-Hero’s Journey
Once the anti-hero has made their decision, their journey begins. This journey is not easy. They face obstacles and challenges that test their resolve and push them to their limits.
A great example of this is Walter White from the television series “Breaking Bad.” Walter is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer. His journey takes him from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless drug lord. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles, including rival drug dealers and the law.
The Anti-Hero’s Redemption
The final stage of the anti-hero’s journey is redemption. This is where they make amends for their past actions and find their place in the world.
Redemption doesn’t always mean a happy ending, though. Sometimes the anti-hero’s journey ends in tragedy. But even in death, they can find redemption. An example of this is Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Gatsby is a self-made millionaire who throws extravagant parties to win back his lost love. His journey ends in tragedy, but his death allows him to find redemption and become a hero in his own right.
Conclusion:
The anti-hero’s journey is a refreshing change from the traditional hero’s journey. It shows that even the most flawed and morally ambiguous characters can find redemption. The anti-hero’s journey is a reminder that everyone has the capacity for change and growth, no matter how far they have fallen. So the next time you pick up a book or watch a movie, look out for the anti-hero’s journey. Who knows, you might just find yourself rooting for the misfit.
If you enjoyed reading about the anti-hero’s journey and want to explore more flawed characters finding redemption, “Contract Killers” by Steven C. Gray would be a great treat for you. This book features a cast of misfit characters who must confront their past mistakes and overcome their personal demons to survive.
