Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

antiheroine

Noun
an-ti-ˈher-ə-wən
Definition
A female character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes and often exhibits traits that are unconventional or morally ambiguous.
Examples
  • In the novel, the antiheroine outsmarts her adversaries using wit and charm, making her both relatable and problematic.
  • The film’s antiheroine struggles with her dark past while trying to navigate her way through a corrupt world.
Meaning
An antiheroine is typically a protagonist who challenges traditional notions of femininity and morality. Unlike classic heroines, she may employ cunning, manipulation, or other unsavory methods to achieve her goals, making her a complex and intriguing figure.
Synonyms
  • unconventional heroine
  • flawed protagonist
  • morally ambiguous female lead