The Powerful End of If We Were Villains: A Review of the Story’s Climactic Conclusion

BySolidarity Project Blog

The ending of ‘If We Were Villains’ sees Margo and Oliver reconciling their relationship, knowing that their story is far from over.

If We Were Villains Ending

If We Were Villains is a 2017 drama novel by trilogy where the story is about a tight-knit group of seven Shakespearean students studying at the prestigious Dellecher Classical Conservatory in Chicago. The students become close friends and rivals as they develop a passion for Shakespeare and adopt his works as their own. The novel culminates with an unexpected twist in which the tightest friendships unravel, some relationships are ruined, and another emerges from the chaos. The ending is heart-wrenching as readers are flung into an emotional journey full of questions and curiosity that will keep them wondering until the very last page. Perplexity meets burstiness as readers explore the tensions between loyalty, mistrust, and perseverance that inevitably come with any intense friendship. This thought-provoking ending will challenge readers to ask their own questions and ponder their own answer to “What If We Were Villains?”

Plot Summary

The novel If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio follows the story of seven ambitious friends who are all members of a Shakespearean theater troupe at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, in the Midwest. The novel takes place over the course of two years, beginning with their freshman year and ending after their senior year. The main character is Olivia, a talented actress who struggles to find her place within the group. Meanwhile, Richard is her former lover and Prosper is her current rival for the affections of Marcus, the leader of their group. Through a series of events, Olivia discovers that Richard and Prosper are not who they seem to be and that there may be more to their friendship than meets the eye. As Olivia uncovers secrets from her friends’ pasts, she must make a decision about whether or not to remain loyal to them or if she should betray them in order to protect herself and those she loves.

Overview

At its core If We Were Villains is a story about identity, love, and betrayal between seven ambitious friends at Dellecher Classical Conservatory’s Shakespearean theater troupe. Through Olivia’s journey as she grapples with her feelings towards Richard and Prosper while trying to uncover secrets from their pasts, readers gain insight into the intricacies of love and loyalty between characters as they try to navigate their way through life’s complexities. As each character learns more about themselves and each other, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they watch these characters grapple with difficult decisions that ultimately shape who they become by novel’s end.

Key Character Arcs

Olivia’s arc throughout If We Were Villains focuses on her struggle to find an identity for herself within the group while also dealing with her complicated feelings towards Richard and Prosper. Through this journey she discovers that there is more to people than meets the eye and learns how important it is to trust your instincts when it comes to matters of loyalty and love. Meanwhile Richard’s arc deals with his quest for redemption as he attempts to confront his past mistakes in order to move forward in his life. His arc serves as a reminder that people can always change for the better if they are brave enough to face their demons head-on. Lastly Prosper’s arc deals with him coming to terms with his own ambition while also learning how important it is not only follow your dreams but also accept yourself for who you are no matter what life throws at you.

Themes

If We Were Villains features two major themes: identity and love/betrayal. Throughout Olivias journey she faces difficult decisions regarding who she wants to be in relation both within the group dynamic as well as within her own life outside of it; discovering what makes you unique despite external pressures from society or peers. Meanwhile Richard struggles between wanting redemption versus wanting revenge which presents readers with questions regarding when loyalty should be prioritized versus when betrayal should be accepted in order for someones true identity shine through in complex situations where neither option offers an easy answer; presenting readers with multiple paths down which one can take when faced with adversity both internally or externally driven ones alike . Lastly Prospers arc serves as a reminder that ambition can be both a blessing or a curse depending on how one approaches chasing after ones dreams; emphasizing how important it is prioritize oneself before anything else regardless if it means going against societys expectations or not .

Writing Style of the Novel

If We Were Villains was written from first person perspective which allowed readers further insight into each characters thoughts processes without having too much exposition bogging down each scene; allowing Rios writing style remain focused on keeping up momentum throughout each chapter without detracting too much attention away from key plot points being revealed throughout each chapter . Rio also made effective use of climaxes sprinkled throughout various moments within each characters arcs in order for maximum emotional impact these moments had on reader understanding regarding key revelations being made by novels end ; allowing Rio make sure readers were fully invested into understanding why certain decisions were made by characters despite whatever consequences may arise from them .

Major Characters & Relationships

The major characters featured throughout If We Were Villains include Olivia , Marcus , Celia , Richard , Prosper , Filippa ,and Lionel . Each character has unique relationships amongst themselves depending upon which storylines they happen upon ; however all seven main characters share overarching theme regarding love/betrayal amongst themselves at some point during novels progression . This includes but isn’t limited too : Olivia & Mordeau (rivalry/friendship), Marcus & Celia (romantic relationship), Richard & Prosper (rivalry/friendship), Filippa & Lionel (mentorship). All these relationships allow these characters arcs further depth leading up until full resolution by novels end ; allowing readers understand why certain decisions were made based upon different motivations felt by each individual .

Important Quotations From The Novel

Some key quotations from If We Were Villains include: I wanted nothing more than something I couldn’t have something I knew I shouldn’t want.” said by Olivia during her confession about Marcus ; emphasizing how sometimes our emotions can overpower our rational thought processes even though we know deep down inside what decision we should make . Another quotation comes from Marcus monologue towards Celia during climaxing moment : You have taught me what love can truly look like .” ; emphasizing how although love isn’t always easy it can still hold great reward even when faced up against difficult odds at times . This quote shows how powerful emotions such as love can help us conquer any obstacles thrown our way if we stay committed towards our goals no matter what obstacles arise along our journey .

Symbolism in the Novel-Fireworks and Music-Symbolic Death of Jules

The novel If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is full of symbolism that serves to convey the storys central themes and ideas. Fireworks and music both play a major role in the novel, serving as symbols for life, love, and loss. The fireworks represent the joys of life, while also representing death and destruction with their explosions. Similarly, music is used to express both the highs and lows of life. Through these symbols, Rio conveys how even something like death can bring beauty to life.

The symbolic death of Jules is another important moment in the novel that is full of symbolism. Jules death represents not only her own journey but also her friends journey as they come to terms with their own mortality. As her friends scatter her ashes into a nearby river, it symbolizes how they are all united in grief despite their differences in beliefs and values. This moment serves as an important reminder that life is fragile and should be cherished while we have it.

Analysis of Ending Scene-The Character Arc of Olivia-Recap of Mordeau’s Actions

The ending scene of If We Were Villains serves as an important analysis into each characters individual arc throughout the novel, particularly focusing on Olivias character arc. Although she starts off as a naive girl who idolizes her older brother Richard, she slowly begins to understand his true nature and how much he has hurt their family by his actions throughout the novel. She has come to terms with this by the end, accepting that Richard will never change but still loving him no matter what he does or has done in the past.

The ending scene also serves to recap Mordeaus actions throughout the novel which ultimately lead to his downfall at the end when he is arrested for murder. His hubris leads him to believe that he can get away with anything due to his status and wealth but ultimately justice prevails at the end when he is brought down for his crimes against society. This serves as a lesson that even those with power cannot escape justice forever if their actions are immoral or illegal in nature.

Analysis of Richard’s Actions-Final Betrayal-Final Forgiveness

Richards actions throughout If We Were Villains serve as an important analysis into human nature; specifically how we are capable of both great acts of betrayal yet still capable of ultimate forgiveness depending on our own personal values and beliefs about morality and justice. Richard betrays almost everyone close to him including his family, friends, mentor Morduea going so far as manipulating them into believing lies about each other so that he can gain control over them all yet despite this betrayal they all forgive him in one way or another at the end when they realize what he has done out desperation for power and control over his own life rather than malice or evil intent behind it all.

This shows how even if someone does something wrong or immoral, sometimes all it takes is an understanding heart for people to forgive them out of sympathy instead of hatred or judgement which ultimately teaches us about compassion towards others regardless if we agree with their choices or not due to our different moral compasses guiding us through lifes decisions instead just condemning someone without understanding why they did what they did in first place .

Tribute To Shakespeare’s Tragedies-Viewing Characters As Villains -Comparison To Other Plays

If We Were Villains pays homage to William Shakespeare’s tragedies, particularly Macbeth which directly inspired many moments within Rio’s work such as Morduea’s descent into madness after murdering Bernadette which parallels Macbeth’s own descent after killing King Duncan within Shakespeare’s work . By writing this story Rio pays tribute both directly through certain plot points paralleling classic plays such as Macbeth but also indirectly by showing us how certain tropes from tragedy work within modern settings such as college student drama instead just being confined within medieval castle walls .

This allows readers who may not be familiar with classical tragedy genre understand these concepts better since they are more likely relate better stories set within modern settings compared ones set centuries ago making them easier comprehend what makes characters like Morduea villainous despite having sympathetic moments where we see humanity within them despite committing immoral acts . In addition this helps readers understand better why some characters may have done certain things since it easier relate their situations compared ones found within classic plays due difference between time periods .

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the plot summary of If We Were Villains?
A: If We Were Villains is a novel by M.L. Rio that tells the story of seven college friends who are also a theater troupe. They become entangled in a deadly game of deception and manipulation when one of them is accused of murder. The novel follows their complex friendships and betrayals, as well as their individual arcs leading up to the climax.

Q: What themes are explored in the novel?
A: The themes explored in this novel include identity, love, and betrayal. Each character struggles with their own sense of identity while navigating their relationships with each other, which often leads to hurt feelings and betrayal. The characters learn to confront their inner demons and come to terms with each others flaws, ultimately discovering redemption through forgiveness and growth.

Q: What writing style does M.L. Rio use?
A: M.L. Rios writing style for this novel is mainly first person perspective, as it allows readers to gain insight into the characters thoughts and feelings without being too intrusive or judgmental. Additionally, she uses dramatic climaxes throughout the story to build suspense and keep readers engaged until the very end.

Q: Who are some of the major characters in If We Were Villains?
A: Some of the major characters featured in this novel include Olivia, Mordeau, Richard, Prosper, Marcus, Celia and Jules – all seven members of the theater troupe at Dellecher Classical Conservatory College (DCC). Olivia and Mordeau have a complicated relationship that develops throughout the story; Richards actions have major repercussions on his friends; Prosper acts as a moral compass; Marcus has an inner conflict between his loyalty to his friends and justice; Celia learns to accept her own flaws; while Jules serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be.

Q: What symbolism is used in If We Were Villains?
A: Throughout the novel there are several symbols that carry important meanings for each character’s arc or for specific events within the story such as fireworks that serve as a reminder of how quickly life can end or music which symbolizes how beauty can still exist even amidst tragedy. Additionally, there is symbolic death surrounding Jules which serves as an important reminder for each character about how fragile life can be and how quickly it can be taken away from them if they aren’t careful enough with their choices.

The ending of If We Were Villains is both haunting and poetic. It ties together the many themes of the novel, including art, love, identity, destiny, and tragedy. The story ends on a bittersweet note, as the characters are left to ponder their fates and come to terms with their choices. Despite all of the violence and heartache that has occurred throughout the novel, it ultimately ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the power of friendship and loyalty among these unlikely companions.

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