Point of View

If We Were Villains is told through first-person narration from Oliver’s point of view. Oliver’s self-ascribed status as an outsider makes him an acute observer of his friends’ actions. Oliver’s habitual introspection has one negative consequence; it often makes him oblivious to what is right in front of him, especially when it comes to romantic situations.

Oliver’s characteristic helps build suspense in the novel as the reader picks up on innuendo that goes unnoticed by the protagonist. For instance, when James interrogates Oliver about Meredith, Oliver fails to recognize James’ hope that Oliver likes him back. James’ motivations are clear in his expectant, wishful tone, which Oliver notes but fails to realize the implications of. Oliver’s obliviousness causes friction between himself and the others, as characters like Alexander, Meredith, and James alternately admire or resent his naivety.

Oliver’s narration...