Résumé:
The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the sense of viciousness and the absence
of generated goodness as a whole using V.E. Schwab’s Vicious as a case study. Vicious is a
fantasy novel that revolves around two best friends; Victor and Eli; who once acclaimed
superpowers turned to sworn enemies. The novel has subverted the general understanding of
the duality of good and evil. Hence, this study attempts to discuss this ancient rivalry of
heroes against villain and to throw the light on the new trend adopted by fantasy novels. This
trend centers on expelling the sense of goodness out of the protagonist leaving him/her more
of a villain than a hero. Since evil versus evil is the center of this study, both Victor Vale and
Eli Ever will be discussed both through a psychoanalytical perspective dwelling on their
motives, beliefs, and psyche to determine who is the real villain.
