Answer: The hero who lacks the traditional characteristics of a protagonist is the anti-hero.
Explanation: An anti-hero is a protagonist who lacks the typical traits and qualities of a hero, such as courage, selflessness, and morality. Instead, they may possess flawed or even morally questionable characteristics, making them a unique and often complex character.
The anti-hero typically operates outside of the norms and expectations of society, challenging the traditional notions of heroism and the heroic journey. They may have a questionable past, engage in illegal or unethical behavior, or lack a clear moral compass. Despite their flaws, anti-heroes often possess admirable qualities, such as wit, intelligence, and a willingness to take risks to achieve their goals.
Anti-heroes are often used to subvert traditional storytelling conventions and provide a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the human experience. They may be used to critique societal norms and expectations, or to provide a more realistic and relatable portrayal of the struggles and challenges that people face. By challenging traditional notions of heroism and the heroic journey, the anti-hero allows for a more diverse and inclusive range of characters and narratives in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling.