Kiss the Villain

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content, child abuse, sexual violence, rape, and death.

One of the underlying tensions in Kent’s narrative is Gareth’s intentional self-erasure behind an unblemished persona. Initially, the author portrays this social masking of his personality as a point of pride for Gareth, one that feeds into his sense of superiority over others: “They know me as Gareth ‘The Fixer’ […]. Golden boy Gareth with the highest GPA […]. Gareth, who possesses the cleanest reputation and a future lined with open doors. No one suspects that when they think I’m […] studying, I’m actually here, roaming behind enemy lines with the Serpents” (14). However, over the course of the novel, Gareth’s understanding of both his motives and the effects of his deception shifts. Kent explores the costs of social masking through Gareth’s journey to understanding the drawbacks of hiding himself from everyone.

As the novel opens, Kent highlights how emotional distancing has become a point of disproportionate pride for Gareth. Gareth adamantly rationalizes this persona by claiming that he adopts it so that he will be underestimated both by his enemies and his loved ones. However, because of it, he socially excludes himself and impedes his social development.