Books with Anti-Heroes as main Characters
Books with heroes that don't comply with the flawlessness or even affability of the traditional main characters and heroes as we know them. Yet, they have been some of the most seminal, relatable and guiding figures in literature, the mistakes and the flaws of whom have shaped the empathy of the readers and the perception of the human condition. Here are some of the titles in Greek:
1.Η μεταμόρφωση - Franz Kafka
Despite his complete physical transformation into an insect at the beginning of the story, Gregor changes very little as a character over the course of The Metamorphosis. Most notably, both as a man and as an insect Gregor patiently accepts the hardships he faces without complaint and is depicted as isolated from society and often both misunderstands the true intentions of others and is misunderstood.
2. Το Υπόγειο - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
One of the most remarkable characters in literature, the unnamed narrator is a former official who has defiantly withdrawn into an underground existence. In complete retreat from society, he scrawls a passionate, obsessive, self-contradictory narrative. He feels that others like him exist, but he continuously concentrates on his spitefulness instead of on actions that would help him avoid the problems that torment him. The main issue for the Underground Man is that he has reached a point of ennui and inactivity. He even admits that he would rather be inactive out of laziness.
3. Baby Blue - Πολυχρόνης Κουτσάκης
Stratos Gazis hates being called a hit man. What he is, is a conscientious fixer. He fixes problems that few can fix. Things that people are willing to pay handsomely to get done provided he concludes the targets deserve their fate.
4. Εκατό Χρόνια Μοναξιά - Gabriel García Marquez
In this novel, each generation is condemned to repeat the mistakes—and to celebrate the triumphs—of the previous generation. García Márquez’s point is precisely that human nature does not really change, that the Buendía family is locked into a cycle of repetitions.
5. Ο Κυνηγός - Julio Cortázar
Johnny Carter is a heroin addict and an alcoholic with severe psychological illnesses. He has abandoned his wife, children, and an unknown number of other lovers, he continually loses or sells his saxophone, he fails to come to performances or refuses to play while there, he has a tendency to be suicidal, and it is sometimes necessary to confine him to a psychiatric hospital because he is a danger to himself or other people. But Johnny is also a unique genius whose understanding of life and psychological problems are inextricably connected to his philosophical and artistic insights.
