Anti-Hero

An anti-hero is a protagonist who 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 difficult to predict.
 * 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.

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)
 * Goro Akechi/Crow (Persona 5)
 * 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)
 * Ghost Rider (Marvel comics)
 * Greg Heffley (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid)

Examples of poorly-written anti-heroes

 * Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia)
 * Yo Mikawa (Angel Cop)