What type of protagonist are modernists in favor of?

• A. The anti-hero
• B. An ethical paragon
• C. The classic hero of epic stature
• D. The flawless saint

Answer: (A)

Modernists favor characters who feel detached, disillusioned, and morally complex rather than noble or flawless figures. An anti-hero fits this approach because the central character lacks traditional heroic qualities—courage, self-sacrifice, unwavering virtue—and instead grapples with inner conflict, questionable choices, and imperfect motives. This allows the narrative to explore uncertainty, fragmentation, and the messy reality of modern life, which is exactly what modernist literature seeks to depict. A perfect ethical paragon, a grand epic hero, or a flawless saint would clash with the movement’s tendency to scrutinize ideals and reveal complexity. So the type of protagonist modernists prefer is the anti-hero.