In Adversary to the Villain, Maehrer dismantles traditional hero and villain archetypes, arguing that morality is defined by people’s actions rather than by societal labels. Consistently, characters publicly condemned as “evil” act with more genuine care than those in positions of authority, who often use their respected titles to mask corruption and cruelty. Through the intertwined journeys of Evie and Trystan, the novel posits that goodness is a conscious choice to shield and support others regardless of one’s public reputation.

Evie’s transformation from an assistant to the self-proclaimed “Wicked Woman” illustrates how embracing a villainous identity can be an act of protection. After King Benedict’s propaganda labels her the “True Villain,” Evie decides to lean into the role as a means of defending her found family at Massacre Manor. For example, she signals her desire to protect Trystan when she states that “[i]t’s time people stopped treating the wrong person as the pariah” (59). She also strategically employs her new power when she intimidates the Valiant Guards but makes a deliberate choice not to kill them. Instead, she sends a message to Benedict that “there will be deadlands to pay” if he continues his attacks (170), using fear to shield her allies. Her decision to embrace her dark magic is a direct response to the threats against those she loves, framing her acceptance of a “villain” title as a commitment to their safety rather than a turn toward moral decay.

Similarly, Trystan’s character arc reveals that a public-facing villain can possess an innate capacity for healing and protection that contradicts his malevolent persona. The revelation that he is a Core Healer, and that his magic has been unknowingly protecting Evie since her first day of employment, reframes his entire identity. He’s consistently motivated by a desire to support her, whether he is establishing an office policy against fraternization to shield Evie from a harassing coworker or physically placing himself between her and Destiny. While he cultivates an image of ruthless authority, his private choices are governed by a deep-seated need to keep his loved ones from harm. This duality suggests that the “Villain” label is merely a performance while his caring actions demonstrate a strong moral compass.

In stark contrast, the novel’s authority figures use their titles to perpetrate acts of cruelty. King Benedict, the ruler of Rennedawn, manipulates prophecies, spreads false propaganda, and orchestrates violent attacks, all while maintaining the guise of a righteous leader. Likewise, Evie’s father leverages his former status as a Valiant Knight to betray his family and align with the corrupt king, even becoming his new chancellor. These characters, who hold the kingdom’s trust, are the true sources of suffering and betrayal. The storybook of Rennedawn itself, a prophetic authority, labels Evie a “sickness” to be destroyed, yet her every choice is aimed at saving others. By making publicly feared “villains” the story’s true heroes, the novel argues that morality is measured by the tangible impact of one’s choices on the well-being of others.