If We Were Villains: A Dark Academia Mystery Unveiled | [Character & Plot Guide]
Was it a tragic accident, a carefully orchestrated crime, or something far more complex that led to the untimely death of a young actor after a Shakespearean performance? The truth, concealed beneath layers of loyalty, betrayal, and the intoxicating allure of the stage, awaits discovery within the pages of M.L. Rio's haunting debut novel, If We Were Villains.
The narrative, a compelling blend of mystery and dark academia, unfolds within the hallowed halls of Dellecher Classical Conservatory, a secluded institution where seven intensely devoted theatre students dedicate their lives to the works of William Shakespeare. It's 1997, a time of both artistic fervor and simmering tension. The protagonists, all in their final year, find themselves immersed in a world where the lines between reality and performance blur, where the weight of expectation and the pursuit of artistic perfection create a crucible of intense emotions. The story is narrated by Oliver Marks, an actor and former inmate, who recounts the events of a decade ago when one of his closest friends met a mysterious end. This opening sets the stage for a narrative that deftly explores the themes of identity, love, guilt, and the destructive power of secrets, all filtered through the prism of Shakespeare's timeless plays.
M.L. Rio, the author, has crafted a world as rich and intricate as the plays her characters inhabit. Her understanding of Shakespearean texts provides a unique lens through which to explore the complexities of human relationships, ambition, and the dark undercurrents of the human psyche. Before her successful writing career, Rio embarked on a distinguished academic path.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | M.L. Rio |
| Known For | Author of If We Were Villains |
| Education |
|
| Debut Novel | If We Were Villains (Published April 2017) |
| Accolades | International Bestseller |
| Specialization | Shakespearean studies, early modern english literature. |
| Literary Style | Dark Academia, Mystery |
| Themes Explored | Identity, Guilt, Love, Betrayal, Fate, Sexuality, Art, Complicity |
| Influences | Donna Tartt's The Secret History |
| Authentic Reference | Goodreads Author Page |
The novel, structured like a play, is divided into acts, echoing the structure of Shakespeare's dramas. Rio masterfully interweaves quotes and allusions to Shakespeare's works, not merely as decoration, but as integral elements of the characters' thoughts, actions, and dialogue. The characters, all aspiring actors, communicate in a stylized, Shakespearean-tinged language, adding another layer of intrigue and otherworldliness to their interactions. This stylistic choice underscores the blurring of reality and performance that pervades their lives, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of their final year at Dellecher.
Central to the narrative is the core group of seven: Oliver Marks, James Farrow, Richard Stirling, Wren Stirling, Meredith Dardenne, Filippa ("Pip") Kosta, and Alexander Vass. Each character embodies a facet of the human experience, a role within the intricate drama that unfolds. James Farrow, often cast as the hero or prince, is initially portrayed as the most talented and beautiful of the group. Yet, beneath the surface of his seeming perfection, lies a complexity waiting to be revealed. Oliver, the narrator, finds himself thrust into the role of both observer and participant, carrying the burden of a secret that threatens to unravel their carefully constructed world.
The setting of the novel, Dellecher, itself acts as a character, a microcosm of the larger world, a place where the students' lives are interwoven with the history of their craft. The conservatory grounds, including the lake, play a crucial role in the narrative, mirroring the emotional undercurrents of the characters. The lake, as Oliver notes, "lurks," a silent witness to the events that transpire, sometimes offering a place to shed inhibitions, and other times, a backdrop for the darkness that brews within the group. As the story progresses, the once idyllic setting becomes a stage for tragedy.
The mystery at the heart of the novel is meticulously crafted. Who killed Richard? Why did Oliver lie to protect his friends? What secrets are buried beneath the surface of their tightly-knit group? These questions drive the narrative forward, keeping the reader engaged as the truth is slowly unveiled. The plot summary follows Oliver's journey, from the idyllic days of rehearsals to the events that led to his imprisonment. The themes of identity, guilt, and the corrosive nature of secrets are woven into the fabric of the story, resonating with the reader long after the final page is turned. The characters' relationships are explored, from the bonds of friendship to the complexities of romantic love and the dark shadows of rivalry.
The novel is a story about art, responsibility, and the choices one makes in the face of adversity. As the characters mature and form their adult relationships, they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions, both inside and outside the walls of Dellecher. The exploration of sexuality and the formation of adult relationships extends beyond the boundaries of the conservatory, adding a layer of complexity to their personal journeys. The characters face their own dark sides and the moral dilemmas that arise when people are pushed to their limits.
The characters are, above all, actors. They are people who pretend to be what they are not. The constant performance and the pressure to live up to the roles they play, both on and off stage, creates a tense and unpredictable environment. Rio skillfully uses this as a vehicle to explore the ways people construct their identities, the masks they wear, and the impact that art can have on real life.
The novel's success has been reflected in its popularity, reaching bestseller status and earning accolades for its captivating story, beautiful prose, and complex characters. The blend of mystery, literary sophistication, and dark academia elements has captured the imagination of readers worldwide. This has made it a subject of discussion and analysis across various platforms, including Litcharts, which provides comprehensive guides to the novel, including summaries, character analyses, and thematic explorations.
The novel's appeal is also evident in the widespread interest in its characters. Let's take a look at the key players in this compelling drama:
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Oliver Marks | The narrator and protagonist. A former theater student who was involved in the mysterious death. Imprisoned for a decade, he recounts the events. |
| James Farrow | Initially the most studious, talented, and handsome of the male actors. Regularly cast as the hero. |
| Richard Stirling | One of the seven theater students, whose death is the central mystery of the novel. |
| Wren Stirling | Richard's twin sister. |
| Meredith Dardenne | One of the seven theater students |
| Filippa "Pip" Kosta | One of the seven theater students |
| Alexander Vass | One of the seven theater students |
The legacy of the novel continues to grow, with its compelling narrative, complex characters, and exploration of timeless themes. If We Were Villains invites readers into a world where the lines between art and life blur, where secrets have deadly consequences, and where the weight of the past can never truly be shed. The story asks probing questions about the power of art, the nature of loyalty, and the darkness that can reside within the human heart.
The novel's impact is also seen in the many discussions that have risen around the story, with readers and critics exploring its intricacies, including themes of fate, identity, and sexuality through the lens of Shakespeare's plays. The book's many layers offer a deep dive into the world of art, identity, and the choices we make.
