Anti-Hero

An anti-hero is a protagonist that is basically a foil that has the opposite of most of the traditional traits that are associated with traditional heroes.

Why This Trope Rocks

 * 1) It makes the character relatable and innately human.
 * 2) The anti-hero's story would be more challenging to the viewers, as their actions would be more unpredictable than those of a traditional hero.
 * 3) It highlights the fact that the line between heroism and villainy is extremely thin, producing a large grey area in between them. Whereas villains have redeeming qualities, heroes have personality flaws.
 * 4) People tend identify with characters who are deeply flawed, as they see themselves in them.
 * 5) They are usually more sympathetic and complex than traditional heroes, as they face more internal conflicts that make them question their own actions and grow as a person.

The Only Bad Quality

 * 1) Some anti-heroes can be unsympathetic and unlikeable.
 * 2) *Also anti-heroes can sometimes be jerks.

Examples of well-written anti-heroes

 * 22 (Soul)
 * Asuka Langley Soryu (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
 * Blake Belladonna (RWBY)
 * Donald Duck (Disney)
 * Emperor Kuzco (The Emperor's New Groove)
 * Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)
 * Homura Akemi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
 * General Mayhem (The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part)
 * Ghost Rider (Marvel comics)
 * Gumball Watterson (The Amazing World of Gumball)
 * Goro Akechi/Crow (Persona 5)
 * Greg Heffley (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid)
 * Jack Skellington (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
 * Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe)
 * Nagito Komaeda (Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair)
 * Ryuko Matoi (Kill la Kill)
 * Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog)
 * Squidward Tentacles (Spongebob Squarepants)
 * Wallabee Beatles (Codename: Kids Next Door)

Examples of poorly-written anti-heroes

 * Yo Mikawa (Angel Cop)