Why do They Work?
Antiheros work because of their moral ambiguity and deeply flawed nature. Unlike traditional heroes, they operate in the gray areas of right and wrong, making them far more complex.
Relatable Imperfection
Perfect heroes are not relatable. A heroes unwavering moral compass can feel unattainable in a world where flaws and mistakes are inevitable. Antiheroes, however, are different. Think of Breaking Bads' Walter White. A once-average high-school teacher turned criminal mastermind. Sure, Walter's decisions are questionable, but his motivations -- family, survival -- are deeply human.
Challenging Morality
Antiheroes force the audience to confront tough, controversial questions. Take Travis Bickle, for example (Taxi Driver [also from the image above]). His view on America's social landscape is heavily influenced by his traditional ideologies. While those ideologies are not inherently bad - I'm sure some people may even relate to them - in the end it distorts his reality, causing some pretty drastic decisions.
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