What is if we were villains about

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: "If We Were Villains" is a 2017 thriller novel by M.L. Rio following seven Shakespeare-obsessed theater students at an elite arts college who become entangled in a murder mystery involving betrayal, rivalry, and dark secrets.

Key Facts

The novel follows seven arts college students who are prime suspects in a murder investigation
The story is told through flashbacks and dual timelines, revealing how the characters' relationships deteriorated
Shakespeare's works and theater performances play a central role in the narrative structure
The book explores themes of ambition, loyalty, jealousy, and the blurred lines between performance and reality
A television adaptation was developed and aired on Peacock streaming service

Plot Overview

"If We Were Villains" follows a group of talented theater students at an elite arts college who are suspected of murdering one of their own. After seven years, one of the group members is released from prison and interviewed by a detective about the crime. The narrative alternates between the present-day investigation and the past, gradually revealing how the tight-knit group's relationships deteriorated into suspicion and violence.

Key Themes

The novel deeply explores Shakespeare's works throughout the story, with characters frequently quoting and referencing the playwright's most famous tragedies. This creates parallels between the fictional dramas on stage and the real-life tragedy unfolding among the group. The story examines how artistic passion, romantic entanglement, and professional rivalry can transform friendships into bitter conflicts.

Character Dynamics

The seven main characters represent different archetypes: the ambitious lead, the devoted supporter, the jealous rival, and others whose motivations and secrets gradually emerge. Their group dynamics shift dramatically when a promising opportunity creates winners and losers, triggering resentment and betrayal that ultimately leads to murder.

Literary Style

Author M.L. Rio uses an unreliable narrator structure, where the reader discovers information at the same pace as the detective. Shakespeare quotations and theatrical references enrich the narrative, connecting each character's arc to classic tragic figures. The novel's dual timeline creates suspense as readers try to piece together what really happened.

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