Little Stranger

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of addiction, mental illness, sexual content, physical abuse, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and rape.

Olivia Vize is one of the narrators and protagonists of Little Stranger. She is the first child adopted by the Vizes; before her adoption, she lived in a household that is implied to be abusive and neglectful, though Olivia notes that she is grateful not to recall many of the details of her early childhood. The novel parallels this background with Malachi’s, suggesting that this builds a sense of similarity between them, even though they are opposites on the surface. As a child, Olivia feels closer to Jennifer and admits feeling fear toward Jamieson; as she ages and realizes the extent of Jennifer’s manipulations, she becomes increasingly close to Jamieson.

Olivia is a popular, well-liked student. She is the captain of the cheerleading squad, which the novel presents as an archetype to represent someone who is highly socially successful and invested in traditional gender expectations. In this aspect, she is presented as a foil to Malachi, whose outward aspect, with tattoos and piercings, receives far less cultural approval. Paralleling her image, Olivia’s obsessive tendencies are less “dark” and violent than Malachi’s, though the contrast between the image of self that is given by her outward appearance and her inner thoughts, feelings, and desires is greater than Malachi’s.