noun – generally considered the protagonist whose character is at least in some regards contrary to that of the typical hero.  Can even include the antagonist if he/she/it elicits considerable sympathy or admiration of the readers.

A Byronic hero is a rebellious antihero who is sympathetic despite his/her rejection of virtue.  Antiheros often have several of the following characteristics:

*strong sense of arrogance

*very intelligent

*cunning with the ability to adapt

*suffered from some unnamed crime or tragic event

*troubled past

*sophisticated & educated

*self-critical

*mysterious, charismatic

*great power of seduction

*socially & sexually dominant

*emotional conflict

*dark attributes

*self-destructive

*disrespectful to authority