Oliver Marks

Oliver Marks is the protagonist and narrator of If We Were Villains. In the story's present moment, Oliver is a newly released convict. He is in his thirties. The novel's main plot takes place ten years prior when Oliver was a senior at Dellecher Classical Conservatory.

As a young adult, Oliver considers himself dull compared to his bold, interesting friends. It is Meredith who opens his eyes to all his potential. She tells him, “You know, everyone calls you ‘nice’… But that’s not the word. You’re good. So good you have no idea how good you are… And you’re real. You’re the only one of us who isn’t acting all the time, who isn’t just playing whatever part Gwendolyn gave you three years ago” (273). This characterization of Oliver—as a selfless, genuine person—is undoubtedly an accurate one. Throughout the novel...