Starter Villain

Starter Villain delves into existential questions of belonging and identity, exploring how characters grapple with self-definition in a world of ambiguous morality and shifting loyalties. At the heart of this exploration is Charlie Fitzer, whose journey of self-discovery unfolds amidst a tumultuous landscape of uncertainty and shifting allegiances.

Charlie's sense of belonging and identity is tenuous from the outset, exacerbated by a series of personal and professional setbacks. As a divorced former business reporter, Charlie grapples with feelings of inadequacy and stagnation. Returning to his childhood home offers a fleeting sense of comfort, yet it also serves as a reminder of a life that feels increasingly stagnant. Aware of his isolation, Charlie reflects on his dwindling connections with friends and neighbors, lamenting the distance that has grown between them. Despite his desire to break free from this isolation, he finds himself trapped in a cycle of self-imposed seclusion, longing for companionship but unsure of how to attain it. Realizing that he knows little about his neighbors, he reflects, “I could have made an effort to be more neighborly" (52). However, amidst the pessimism that clouds his attempts to belong, there is a glimmer of hope as Charlie entertains the possibility of running the local pub. Despite his doubts, Charlie recognizes this venture's potential for connection and community, offering a beacon of optimism amid his prevailing sense of alienation.

As Charlie becomes entangled in a web of espionage and intrigue, his sense of identity undergoes rigorous examination, compelling him to confront the blurred boundaries between right versus wrong and hero versus villain. Morrison bluntly informs him, "Time to see how flexible your morality is, Charlie. Because you should know it's going to get a hell of a workout" (83). Initially, Charlie's trajectory toward villainy mirrors his uncle's example and aligns with the counsel of Hera and Morrison. However, Charlie seizes greater control over his circumstances as the narrative unfolds, revealing a growing sense of his own identity as a leader. Gradually, he begins to shape Jake’s business to reflect his values, allowing the dolphins to unionize and opting to surrender the items in the storeroom, rumored to be stolen Nazi treasures, to the Lombardy Convocation. However, he realizes that inheriting his uncle’s enterprises would contradict his core beliefs. His reaction to defeating the convocation reveals that in the battle between hero versus villain, Charlie’s identity lies strictly in the civilian realm. He reflects, “I had won. I had beaten them all. And what I felt was …Tired" (244); unlike a traditional hero who would revel in defeating the villain, Charlie has gained no satisfaction or ultimate meaning in his life from playing the hero’s role. Charlie chooses to abandon a potentially lucrative career to fit with his morals and beliefs, indicating his newfound self-knowledge.

The novel also examines belonging within a community and collective identity. Charlie's interactions with other characters including the dolphins embroiled in a labor dispute and the enigmatic members of the Lombardy Convocation highlight the complexities of social dynamics and the quest for acceptance. As Charlie navigates alliances and rivalries, he confronts questions of trust and belonging, ultimately seeking a sense of connection within a community that reflects his values and aspirations. One of the novel's most central explorations of belonging emerges from Charlie's relationship with his feline companions, Hera and Persephone. These sentient, genetically modified cats serve as confidants and guardians, offering Charlie solace and purpose amidst an uncertain world. Even after revealing their true allegiance as spies for Jake Baldwin, Charlie's bond with Hera and Persephone remains steadfast, underscoring the enduring strength of loyalty and connection in shaping one's sense of belonging.