This paper aims at shedding critical light upon the character of the "anti-hero" in English literature; therefore, it first offers a critical definition of the hero and the qualities which he has such as virtue, bravery, magnanimity and goodness. Then it moves to compare the hero with anti-hero who is characterized by cowardice, deceit and evil. It also traces the incidences of the anti-hero in several literary works which center upon him which will help us formulate a clear vision of this character.