Definition

A female character in a story who does not have the usual qualities of a hero, often behaving in ways that are unconventional or morally ambiguous.

Example

In the novel, the antiheroine struggles with her flaws and makes choices that challenge traditional expectations of women.

Conversation

Have you read that new book about the antiheroine?

Yeah, I just finished it last week!

I love how she breaks all the traditional norms of a heroine.

Exactly! It makes her story so much more interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antiheroine → It is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "heroine" (from Greek "hērōinē", meaning a female hero). The word describes a female character who opposes traditional heroic qualities or norms.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who stands 'against' ('anti-') the typical traits of a 'hero' ('heroine') — that's what an antiheroine represents.

Visually Confused Words