Why are we so often drawn to characters who do not fit the traditional mould of the hero? From morally complex anti-heroes to reluctant protagonists and socially marginalised figures, contemporary screen culture is shaped by outsiders who challenge dominant ideas of morality, success and power.
This module explores the rise of anti-heroes and marginalised figures across film, television and gaming. It examines how screen media invites audiences not only to observe morally ambiguous or socially excluded characters, but often to identify with them — and, in the case of gaming, to inhabit their perspective directly. Through close textual analysis and critical debate, students will consider how these figures disrupt conventional heroic ideals and reshape our understanding of agency, identity and belonging.
Moving beyond crime-centred anti-heroes, the module examines broader forms of marginality, including disability, mental health, race, gender, sexuality and class. It critically evaluates how screen media has historically and problematically stereotyped certain identities — particularly through associations between mental illness or difference and danger — while also exploring more recent attempts to challenge these tropes and foreground underrepresented protagonists.
Across a range of historical and contemporary case studies, the module asks: Who gets to be the hero? What happens when stories are centred from alternative perspectives, and how do these characters reflect shifting cultural attitudes toward difference, power and representation?
Content note: Screenings and discussions may include representations of violence, discrimination, abuse and mental illness. Students are encouraged to contact the module supervisor with any concerns.