Top Five Wednesday | Favourite Anti-Heroes

This week's Top Five Wednesday is our favourite anti-heroes in literature. Anti-heroes are my favourite type of character because they feel the most real to me. Every single person has their flaws and the ability to do both bad and good things, so it's nice to read a character who does this and makes mistakes like any human does. Of course, in literature, the mistakes are often pretty extreme but then so are their other actions, and that's why we love them so much! Here are my Top Five Anti-Heroes!

Victor Frankenstein - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

One of the most famous anti-heroes in literature. Victor Frankenstein from Mary Shelley's novel certainly portrays the typical anti-hero. His abilities make him a great man, but his inability to think ahead and consider his actions make him the anti-hero of this epic novel. In the end he thinks less of others than himself and does anything he can to preserve his perfect life. What makes his story so compelling is the way this narrative is told from so many, yet one overall, perspective.

Tarod - The Time Master Trilogy by Louise Cooper

This is a trilogy that I know not many people have heard of but I would definitely recommend them to any fantasy lover! The trilogy follows the life of Tarod, someone who had the power and manner to become a great hero, but other people's fear turn him into the anti-hero. He becomes one of the most complex characters I have ever read, attempting to do good yet his morality and view on good and evil blurs considerably throughout the book.

Tyrion Lannister - The Game of Thrones Series by George R.R. Martin

I think this famous character will be on most people's lists. Tyrion is one of the most likeable and witty characters from The Game of Thrones Series. His sense of morals are always hazy yet he always accomplishes the heroic action, despite his size. He is desperate to prove himself yet doesn't care what anyone thinks. His incredible demeanour and fierce loyalty to those who help him, set him apart from the other heroes and villains of the series, making him the incredible anti-hero of the novel.  

Lucifer/Satan - Paradise Lost by John Milton

Satan/Lucifer, from Milton's epic poem, is certainly one of the most famous anti-heroes of all time. Milton's poem tells the story of Adam and Eve and Satan's fall from heaven, after the great battle. Although many would think Satan is the villain of the piece, Milton actually creates a very likeable and relatable character in Satan, whereby his motives are both selfish yet understandable. Even God is portrayed in a more negative light than Lucifer is. The story blurs the line of morality and beautifully tells the tale of this fallen angel (a name which I think often epitomises the anti-hero: 'The Fallen Angel')

Nathaniel - The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud

The Bartimaeus Trilogy is one of my favourite fantasy trilogies of all time. The story follows the career of the teenager, Nathaniel, and the alternative history of the peak of London's power. The series is mostly told from the djinni's, Bartimaeus', point of view; an extremely witty and clever character. However, Nathaniel is our anti-hero here. He is a power hungry teen, desperate to prove himself to the world and is willing to break the rules to try. His development throughout the novels is immense and he becomes one of the greatest anti-heroes I have ever read. 

I love all of these characters, within their works, and I think they're some of the most complex and funny characters I have ever read. If you've not picked up any of these then I highly recommend them! Let me know if you agree and who your favourite anti-heroes are!