FROM BAD TO WORSE: WHY THE CONCEPT OF „ANTIHERO“ FAILS

JEZIK, KNJIŽEVNOST I DIJALOG (2024): 45–54

AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): David Grčki

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DOI: 10.46793/LLD24.045G

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

In this paper, I argue that the concept of antihero fails to adequately explain how and why we engage with fictional characters. In the first part, The Structure of Sympathy, I present the most prominent epistemic theory of character engagement – Murray Smith’s theory of sympathy, which contains recognition, alignment, and allegiance. In the second part of the paper, The Problem of ‘Antihero’, I explain the problem of ‘antihero’ as is presented in contemporary literature. I argue that the ‘antihero’ as a concept suffers from two problems: the unclear moral criteria and the unity of concept. I contend that these problems are unsurmountable and that we should reject the concept of ‘antihero’ when explaining character engagement. I conclude by arguing that the framework of tragedy and the rejection of villains explain how we engage with morally bad characters.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

fictional characters, character engagement, antihero, tragedy

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