I believe that Lermontov intentionally constructed Pechorin's character to contrast a traditional protagonist. However, this being said, the author also expresses that Pechorin is based more closely on the average, immoral man. His descriptions is not filtered with a romantic air, but one which focuses on flaws and negative attributes. A Hero of Our Time is written in an attempt to break free from conventional depictions of men. As Kellon said, Pechorin lacks empathy, though he makes up for this in more realistic (though barely admirable) characteristics.