Summary
If We Were Villains, the debut novel by M. L. Rio, is a gripping theatre-fiction thriller that has captivated readers since its publication in 2017. Set in an elite arts college, the story follows seven Shakespeare students whose onstage roles begin to blur dangerously with their offstage lives, culminating in a mysterious death.
The novel's intricate plot weaves together elements of Shakespearean drama, murder mystery, and coming-of-age storytelling. Rio's masterful use of language and deep understanding of Shakespeare's works have earned the book comparisons to Donna Tartt's The Secret History, with many readers praising its atmospheric tension and complex characters.
While If We Were Villains has not yet been adapted for screen, fans of the book will be excited to learn that a television series is currently in development. Announced in September 2022, the adaptation is a collaboration between Eleven Film, known for producing the hit series Sex Education, and Canadian production company Blink49 Studios. This upcoming adaptation promises to bring Rio's intense and lyrical world to life for a new audience.
Plot
Oliver Marks has just been released from prison after serving 10 years for a murder he may or may not have committed. Detective Colborne, who put him behind bars, is retiring but wants to know the truth about what happened a decade ago. Oliver agrees to tell him the story, which revolves around his time as one of seven acting students studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college.
The novel flashes back to 1997, when Oliver and his classmates are in their final year at the Dellecher Classical Conservatory. The group has been consistently typecast in their roles both on and off stage. However, during their annual Halloween performance of Macbeth, the casting unexpectedly changes. This shift leads to mounting tensions among the students, particularly with Richard, who becomes increasingly violent and abusive towards his peers.
The situation comes to a head during a performance of Julius Caesar, where Richard's aggression spirals out of control. At a cast party following the show, Richard gets into a physical altercation with his girlfriend Meredith. The next morning, the group finds Richard by the lake with a broken skull. They make the decision to let him die and then call the police, pretending they found him already dead. Detective Colborne investigates, but Richard's death is officially ruled an accident.
As the school year progresses, the students struggle with guilt and suspicion. Oliver discovers evidence suggesting James might be the real killer. When confronted, James confesses to killing Richard in self-defense after Richard threatened him. Before they can decide what to do, Detective Colborne arrives to make an arrest. In a surprising twist, Oliver takes the blame for the murder to protect James. The novel concludes with Oliver's release from prison, where he learns that James drowned himself years earlier, though his body was never found.
Themes
Obsession with Shakespeare and theater
Blurring of reality and performance
Friendship and loyalty among the actors
Jealousy and competition in artistic pursuits
Love, desire, and sexual tension
Morality and the consequences of one's actions
Identity and the roles we play in life
Setting
Set in the late 1990s, If We Were Villains unfolds primarily within the confines of the fictional Dellecher Classical Conservatory, an elite arts college specializing in Shakespearean studies. The story's main events take place during the protagonist's fourth and final year at the institution, offering readers a glimpse into the intense and competitive world of aspiring young actors.
The conservatory serves as a microcosm for the larger theatrical world, with its own hierarchies, rivalries, and traditions. Central to the narrative is the Castle, a small dormitory where the seven fourth-year acting students reside. This intimate setting becomes the stage for much of the drama that unfolds, both on and off the rehearsal space.
While the exact location of Dellecher is not specified, the novel's atmosphere evokes the sense of a secluded, ivy-covered campus nestled in a picturesque setting. The nearby lake, where some pivotal scenes occur, adds to the atmospheric and sometimes foreboding nature of the environment. This insular world, steeped in Shakespearean lore and theatrical tradition, serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery and the exploration of the blurred lines between performance and reality.
Characters
Oliver Marks: The protagonist and narrator of the story. Oliver is a former actor who served 10 years in prison for a murder he may not have committed. He considers himself the least talented member of his acting troupe and often plays supporting roles. Oliver struggles with his feelings for both James and Meredith throughout the novel.
James Farrow: Oliver's best friend and the son of a literature professor. James is a talented actor who typically plays the hero roles. He harbors secret feelings for Wren and is later revealed to be the actual killer of Richard. James's fate remains ambiguous at the end of the novel.
Richard Stirling: A talented but volatile actor who often plays tyrant roles. Richard comes from an acting family and has an abusive side, which leads to conflicts with his fellow students. His death is the central mystery of the novel.
Meredith Dardenne: A beautiful redhead from a wealthy family who typically plays the temptress roles. Meredith is initially Richard's girlfriend but later becomes involved with Oliver. She struggles with the aftermath of Richard's abuse and the group's actions.
Detective Joseph Colborne: The lead investigator on Richard's murder case. Colborne is skeptical of the official story and approaches Oliver upon his release from prison to uncover the truth.
Alexander Vass: A gay, half-Latino former foster care student who often plays villain roles. Alexander struggles with drug addiction throughout the novel.
Wren Stirling: Richard's cousin and another second-generation actor. Wren typically plays ingénue roles and is the object of James's affections.
Filippa Kosta: The only member of the group who maintains contact with Oliver during his imprisonment. Filippa often plays chameleon-like roles and later works for the conservatory.
Frederick Teasdale: One of the two main teachers for the fourth-year acting students. Teasdale is a kind older man who favors James as his top student.
Gwendolyn Oswald: The other main teacher for the fourth-year acting students. Oswald is strict and favors Richard as her top student.
Quick facts
The story takes place at the fictional Dellecher Classical Conservatory.
There are exactly seven fourth-year acting students in the main character group.
The novel heavily incorporates Shakespeare's plays, especially Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and King Lear.
The main character, Oliver Marks, serves 10 years in prison for a murder he may not have committed.
The story is framed as a confession to Detective Colborne on the eve of Oliver's release from prison.
Each of the seven main characters is typecast into specific Shakespearean roles like “hero,” “villain,” and “temptress."
The novel has often been compared to Donna Tartt's The Secret History.
A pivotal scene in the book takes place during a Halloween performance of scenes from Macbeth.
About the Author
M. L. Rio is an accomplished author, actor, and scholar with a deep passion for literature. Before embarking on her writing career, Rio honed her craft as an actor, drawing from her lifelong love of books and language. Her journey from “word nerd” to bestselling novelist exemplifies her dedication to the literary arts.
Rio's academic background is equally impressive. She holds a master's degree in Shakespeare Studies from the prestigious King's College London and Shakespeare's Globe, demonstrating her expertise in classical literature. Furthermore, she earned a PhD in early modern English literature from the University of Maryland, College Park, solidifying her scholarly credentials in the field.
In April 2017, Rio made her literary debut with the novel If We Were Villains, published by Flatiron Books. The book quickly gained traction, becoming an international bestseller and establishing Rio as a formidable new voice in contemporary fiction. Her work skillfully blends her theatrical background with her deep knowledge of Shakespeare, creating a unique and compelling narrative style.
Rio's success as an author is a testament to her multifaceted talents and her ability to bridge the worlds of academia, theater, and popular literature. Her journey from avid reader to acclaimed writer serves as an inspiration to aspiring authors and literature enthusiasts alike, showcasing the power of passion and perseverance in the pursuit of one's creative goals.
