Dark Anti-Hero

Basic Outline: The Dark Anti-Hero is the Cynical Veteran if their development was marred by a horrible tragedy that they could not prevent or correct. The Dark Anti-Hero is scary and angry, although he directs his anger towards those who prey upon the weak. He his not generally loud or explosive and in fact is generally quiet and unnerving. He is the character who is willing to fall to the villain's level so that others don't have to. He has lost faith in good's ability to triumph over evil and sees becoming evil himself as an acceptable sacrifice to defeat evil.

Good Examples- Spawn, Cade Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, Kitiara, Man with No Name (Clint Eastwood in "For a Fistful of Dollars"), Raistlin (Dragonlance Series)

Motivation: The Dark Anti-Hero wants to make the villain pay for what they have done by any means necessary. At some point in their past, the Dark Anti-Hero experienced a tragic loss as the hands of some enemy that they could not stop from happening and could not take vengeance upon after the event. The Dark Anti-Hero has never been able to work through the pain in any meaningful manner and so deals with this pain by striking out at other villains and enemies in a ruthless and brutal manner. He does this both to attempt to work through his pain and to attempt to hide- both hide from his pain and hide his pain from others.

The Dark Anti-Hero will be a mixed blessing to the group. He is dedicated to helping people, but often is willing to go to lengths that the rest of the party wouldn't go. He is a useful combatant, but again is willing to take actions that the rest of the party is likely to find too extreme. He will provide both value and tension to the group. The Dark Anti-Hero will respect both the Dutiful Samurai and the Fated Ronin, but will be disgusted by the Comic Relief and the Wise Scholar. They will believe that the Natural Leader and the Callow Youth mean well, but need to 'wake up'.

Sample Description for this character (feel free to print this off).

Description: Your childhood was marred by a horrible tragedy that you could not prevent or correct. As a result, you want to make the villains of this world pay for what they have done by any means necessary. To other you appear scary and angry, although you direct this anger towards those who prey upon the weak. You are not generally loud or explosive and in fact are generally quiet and unnerving. You are willing to fall to the villain's level so that others don't have to. You have lost faith in good's ability to triumph over evil and see becoming evil yourself as an acceptable sacrifice to defeat evil.