If We Were Villains

In the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, M.L. Rio says, “the fourth-year thespians speak a kind of Pidgin English so saturated with Shakespearean words and quotes and turns of phrase that it could be classified as a new (and there is no denying, exceptionally pretentious) dialect”. What does this say about the Dellecher students? How does the use of this dialect bring them together, and how does it set them apart?

Which are the four Shakespearean plays that the fourth-years perform during their last year? How are the themes of the plays reflected in the real-life drama of the fourth-years?

Dellecher is described as an exclusive, serious theatre conservatory. How does the schooling model at Dellecher influence the behavior and actions of the fourth-years? Illustrate your answer with examples from the text.

Shakespeare's tragedies often have a "tragic hero", a character (typically the protagonist) who, despite their heroic traits, meet their downfall because of their flaws. Who do you think is the tragic hero of this novel? Who is the villain? You can use other features of Shakespearean tragedy to support your answer.

If We Were Villains is often cited as an example of the dark academia genre. What elements of the novel fit with this genre? What elements, if any, separate it? You can also use other examples from this genre in your answer.

Oliver thinks there is something “merciless” about Meredith’s sex appeal. How is this reflected in the text? In what ways, if any, is it negated?

How does the nature of Oliver’s love for James differ from his feelings for Meredith? Who forms the central love story of the text?

Imagine a scenario if Richard had lived. What would you think would have happened if this were true?