Starter Villain

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Starter Villain contains elements of science fiction, satire, and comedy. What did you think of this combination of genres? Which elements interested you the most?
• Humor is a quintessential part of Scalzi’s writing style. What elements of the novel, such as plot points and narrative voice, contributed to the novel’s humorous tone, and did you enjoy it?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• At the start of the novel, Charlie lacks a sense of belonging and identity, but fulfilling his dream of running McDougal’s Pub helps him achieve both. Within your own life, what are some important places where you have found community? How does that community impact your sense of identity?
• Charlie follows his moral beliefs by abandoning his uncle’s villainous business despite the possibility of attaining great riches and power. What are some moral beliefs that you try to live by? Have you ever had to choose between pursuing self-gain and following your conscience?
• Charlie’s cats, Hera and Persephone, emerge as major characters. Do you have any pets? If so, what positive contributions do they make to your life, such as a sense of love, belonging, routine, etc.? If you could communicate with your pets the way that Charlie talks with his cats, what would you want to tell them?
• From encounters with talking dolphins to the revelation that his cats are spies, Charlie’s perceptions of reality are repeatedly disrupted. Have you ever learned something that changed the way you saw the world? How did you respond?

3. Societal and Cultural Context 

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does Scalzi use the lens of science fiction and satire to examine social issues around work? In particular, what lessons can the talking dolphins contribute to conversations around labor unions and the disenfranchisement of marginalized groups?
• The novel teems with villains and supervillains, but there is a distinct absence of heroes. What message is Scalzi trying to communicate about multibillion-dollar corporations through Jake’s business and the Lombardy Convocation? 
• Scalzi has extensive experience as a finance writer. How does he use this expertise to critique society’s class inequities and the obsession with money as a means of attaining power?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does Starter Villain deconstruct the usual depiction of good and evil in superhero fiction? Consider Scalzi’s choice of protagonist, the Lombardy Convocation’s inefficacy, and the portrayal of villainy as a business venture. What overall point about good and evil is the author trying to communicate?
• How does Scalzi use cats to explore the complex dynamics of loyalty and trust? Why is it significant that Hera facilitates the novel’s happy ending? 
• Consider the volcano lair’s role as a setting and a motif related to the theme of perceptions and reality. How does the lair contribute to the novel’s satire? 
• Why is McDougal’s Pub significant to the protagonist? What does Charlie’s dream of running the pub reveal about him and his motivation, and how does this goal contrast the main character with the novel’s villains? 

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• If the novel were developed into a film or television series, whom would you cast as the main characters? Which aspects of the novel do you think would be most entertaining to viewers?
• Imagine that Hera continues her efforts to thwart villainy in a sequel. What ideas do you have for potential adventures, adversaries, and additional subjects for social satire? What else would you like this sequel to explore?

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