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Anti-heroes are people who do not conform to the traditional heroic qualities. Instead of being brave, noble, and empathetic, anti-heroes often have flaws. They're morally complex characters, and it is this realism that makes them enigmatic and popular. Actors such as Hugh Laurie and Ed Westwick, who portray these characters onscreen help to bring layer and depth.
From Gossip Girl’s Chuck Bass to Stranger Things’ Steve Harrington, there have been various popular anti-heroes on television. Even though they are deeply flawed and often exhibit annoying characteristics, viewers love to sympathize with them because they are relatable.
Disclaimer: The article contains the author’s opinions.
Steve Harrington, Don Draper, and other anti-heroes that have amazing character development
1) Gregory House
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The protagonist of the show House, Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie, is the head of the diagnostics team at the Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey. Even though he is a brilliant doctor, with an uncanny insight into his patients’ problems, he is misanthropic and unconventional.
House is a prime example of those quirky anti-heroes who have immeasurable genius, but refuse to show empathy or sympathy towards others. House also battles a pill addiction, but he never puts his patients in harm’s way.
Even though he puts his team through rigorous training and lacks human warmth, he always thinks about the patients’ well-being. There have also been times when House has gone out of the way for his patients.
2) Dexter Morgan
The titular lead of the crime drama series, Dexter Morgan, is a forensic technician who also leads a double life. Played by Michael C. Hall, Dexter harbors an obsession with killing people. Even though he works for the Miami Metro Police Department and helps nab criminals, he also works as a secret vigilante killer.
While Dexter is one of those anti-heroes who kill people, he does have a moral compass. He tries to keep his lust for blood under control by stalking a criminal who has evaded justice. Morgan then methodically kills them and satisfies his craving while also justifying it by killing an evil person.
3) Steve Harrington
One of the main characters in the popular show, Stranger Things, Steve, starts as an unlikable character. In the first season, he is the high school jock who only cares about being a playboy. Further, when he finds out that Nancy is getting close to Jonathan, he shames her across the town. However, over the next few seasons, Steve has amazing character development.
Played by Joe Keery, Steve becomes an integral part of the children’s group and looks out for them. On many occasions, he saves Dustin, Mike, and the rest of the gang from the deadly monsters.
When he falls for Robin and she reveals that she is a lesbian, Steve shows maturity and immediately becomes a friend to her. In the series, he has shown a tremendous amount of character development and has turned from an anti-hero to a hero.
4) Fleabag
Played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag is the quirky and zany protagonist of the series. The show is about a free-spirited but confused young woman in London who is trying to find her identity. Even though the character is never named, Fleabag is a realistic and flawed woman.
The show presents Fleabag at a crossroads as she has just witnessed her best friend’s death and is trying to make sense of her life. As she navigates the challenges of family, love life, and career, viewers have an intimate look at a person who tries to be unapologetically herself.
While Fleabag often meanders through life and sometimes causes trouble, she has a sensitive heart. When she falls in love with a Priest who cannot leave his ministry, Fleabag allows him to leave and shows great character development.
5) Don Draper
The charismatic lead of the show, Mad Men, Don Draper, is a suave and charming advertising executive. Played by Jon Hamm, Don is the head of an advertising firm in Manhattan, New York City. The show is set in the 1960s and revolves around the socio-political landscape of the era.
Don is the anti-hero of the show because even though he has an outwardly charming persona, he does not hesitate to deceive people for his own gain. He progresses in his career by leaps and bounds and has often used underhanded tactics to get there.
Draper has made questionable decisions as a father and has been unfaithful to his wife. However, he grows as a person and has a strong sense of loyalty to the people he cares about. There are many moments in the show where Don motivates his colleagues.
Viewers are welcome to go through the list and check out some of the anti-heroes who have left indelible mark on the audience.
