Heathcliff is the main male hero and a love interest in the story. It is obvious that this character is the protagonist of the novel. However, he tries hard to be an anti-hero. The readers do not know much about his identity. except for the fact that he is violent, intense, moody, and dramatic.
Detailed answer:
The character enters the story as a total mystery. The readers never really gain knowledge about his past or his identity. It is known that Heathcliff was an orphan as a child, was always on the outside, losing people around him. He is a violent person who is referred to as gypsy and vampire in the novel.
Even though the readers experience negative feelings about the protagonist, they cannot dislike him totally. Heathcliff loves Catherine and this is the main reason he receives sympathy from the readers of the book. His feelings reveal his loving nature and humanity. Thus, it becomes easier to understand and like this person.
After his lover’s decision to marry another man, Heathcliff is angry. He spends the rest of his life complaining and experiencing emotional pain. This suffering also indicates that he is a loving hero. Even though he is hurt, the protagonist still loves Catherine and desires to act out revenge.
Overall, Heathcliff is a controversial character. This is why the readers experience both positive and negative feelings about him. His love for Catherine is so strong that the readers can call him the main love interest.