hardboiled detective

A hardboiled detective is a fictional character type known for working in gritty, urban settings and facing morally complex situations. They often operate outside traditional legal boundaries, using toughness, wit, and personal code to solve crimes. These detectives are typically tough, cynical, and weathered by life’s challenges, reflecting a realistic and often darker view of justice. The genre emphasizes gritty realism, complex characters, and tough-minded problem-solving, making it a staple in classic crime and noir fiction.