Starter Villain

The volcano lair in Starter Villain is a symbol of the disconnect between perception and reality. While it may embody the traditional image of a villain hideout, the truth beneath the surface is far less glamorous and more mundane. This symbol of shattered expectations contributes to the novel's exploration of the complexities of villainy and the disconnect between Expectations, Perceptions, and Reality. 

At face value, the lair alludes to countless spy and superhero movies and represents traditional preconceptions about villainy. Located on a Caribbean island, the lair embodies the quintessential image of a villain's headquarters, complete with a seaport and subterranean rooms and tunnels. However, for Charlie, the lair is a mass of unrealized expectations and preconceptions.

Despite its high-tech appearance, the lair proves to be “depressingly normal” for Charlie. He reflects that the conference room at the lair “could have been the conference room of any mid-priced hotel chain anywhere in the world” (86). Even the technology within the lair is outdated, failing to meet Charlie's expectations of sophistication. 

Moreover, the company uses the volcano for energy rather than more nefarious purposes. When Jacobs wants to fake his death by being thrown into the lava, Morrison clarifies, "We're not really set up for that […] We don't actually have a lava pit to toss people in" (100). This revelation shatters the illusion of the lair as a hub of villainous activity, revealing a more mundane reality instead.

Similarly, the promise of looted Nazi treasure within the storeroom of the volcano lair proves to be yet another deception. Dobrev reveals, “The earlier members of the Convocation burned through [the treasure] well before this” (250). Instead of the promised treasure, the storeroom is filled with empty crates, failing to live up to the rumors and expectations associated with it.

McDougal's Pub in Starter Villain is a symbol of longing, ambition, and belonging. For Charlie, the desire to purchase the pub stems reflects his longing for stability and connection. Amidst his struggles as a writer, Charlie sees running the pub as a practical means of securing a steady income. Additionally, his fond memories of bonding with his father at the pub fuel his desire to maintain that familial connection. Lastly, Charlie hopes that the pub will serve as a gateway to forging new friendships and integrating himself into the community. However, the initial obstacles and barriers to acquiring the pub reflect Charlie's ongoing struggle with Belonging and Identity.

As the narrative progresses, McDougal's Pub becomes a symbol of the disparity between Charlie's modest ambitions and the grandiose aspirations of the various villains. Dobrev, who already owns a bar, admits that he would love to run his bar. When Charlie suggests that Dobrev fulfill this dream, Dobrev replies, "[W]hen you become men such as we are, in the worlds we move in, it's not easy to throw it all out the window and pick a simpler life" (164). Charlie's ambition to run the pub starkly contrasts with the more complex ambitions of the villains he encounters. Despite this contrast, Charlie's aspirations animate his life, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment over grandiosity.

By the novel’s conclusion, McDougal's Pub represents Charlie's growth and sense of belonging. Overcoming the challenges of the first year of running the bar, Charlie finds solace and fulfillment in his role. He reflects, “It [is] a nice feeling to belong somewhere” (261). In this way, McDougal's becomes more than just a place of business; it symbolizes Charlie's journey toward finding his place in the world and embracing his role within the community.