The novel starts with the main character wondering how good her life was before, even in her bathroom-sized home, despite her having to start work as well.
Escaping her hellish house was her source of happiness. Though, she then heard a voice from someone looking at her as if she was some sort of hideous creature. He told her not to make any fuss, as if she was nonexistent. It then turned out that the main character was acting like a dog at the crowned prince’s return ceremony banquet.
When asked by the rather hostile man as to why she did what she did, she was given 3 prompts in front of her as if she was in a Telltale videogame. Instinctively she chose the third option that was given to her, and she acted out against her will in accordance with the prompt.
Her prompt made her stutter and then the man wanted a response. Another set of prompts resulted in her apologizing for what she had allegedly done. However, the man in front of her exclaimed that he would not have approached her if a simple apology was enough.
The man then called out her name, ‘Penelope Eckart,’ and said that her name of ‘Eckart’ would be taken away from her for some time. This had a familiar ring to Penelope, who had just heard of this. As she observed the man closely unlike before, she noticed he had blue eyes and a bar above his head that had the word ‘Interest’ written on it.
When asked what she was looking at, Penelope realized that ‘Interest 0%’ was written on top of the man. When everyone left, Penelope realized that the scene she was playing in her game before falling asleep was reality and that she was the villainess of a popular videogame and the heroine of a difficult mode.
Readers who like this also read Reincarnated as a Villainess: All Eyes on Me
- Part 1: Main Character of Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess
- Part 2: Main Theme of Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess
- Part 3: Subtle Weaknesses of Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess
- Part 4: Conclusive Remarks
Part 1: Main Character of Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess
Penelope Eckart plays the lead role. She is the duke and duchess of Eckart’s stepdaughter because she is the antagonist in a reverse harem game and must inevitably die. Since she is initially aware of her role as the villain and the game’s mechanics, Penelope tries to avoid her fate by staying out of the way of the game’s heroine and her potential suitors.
She is forced to navigate the intricate politics and relationships of the game’s characters. Because of this, the story becomes even more complex and intriguing as Penelope struggles to balance her desire to change her destiny with the knowledge that the other characters in the game are observing and evaluating everything she does.
Throughout the book, Penelope is depicted as a cunning and resourceful protagonist who uses her knowledge of the game’s structure to her advantage. As the story progresses and Penelope develops relationships with the male characters in the game, the novel explores the dynamics of these relationships as well as the effects of her actions in the game. Penelope is a multi-dimensional, well-written protagonist whose actions and decisions advance the story. In particular, she does her job well at capturing the hearts of the reader with her cute reactions to situations and her girly side.
Penelope, despite her initial reluctance, does eventually form relationships with the male characters, and she even begins to care for them in her own special way.
This is despite the fact that she initially showed no interest in doing so. Both the complexity and relatability of her character, which plays important roles in the plot and the development of her character, serve to captivate the audience’s attention.
Part 2: Main Theme of Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess
The central concept is that of deciding one’s own fate. The events that occur in Penelope’s life are all predetermined by the outcomes of a reverse harem game. She must navigate a complex web of social norms and expectations while trying to avert a tragic outcome.
Penelope constantly defies the destinies that are set for her. She wants to break free of the constraints of her gender and socioeconomic status and forge her own path in life. Additionally, she realizes that even in a setting where death is the finality, there is always the possibility of a fresh start. She learns the value of friendship and the power of love along the way.
Speaking of love, it plays quite a huge role in this story. With a rather difficult start and an environment of animosity, the reader doesn’t really expect romance to be a central concept yet it is, and the story takes quite extended takes on it as well.
Part 3: Subtle Weaknesses of Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess
The novel’s reliance on certain tropes and cliches typical of the videogame genre, such as the love triangle and character rivalries, could be seen as one of its weaknesses. Even though these elements have the potential to be entertaining, readers who are already familiar with the genre may find that they follow a predictable pattern.
The pace of the book can also be a little bit sluggish at times, with extended passages of exposition and dialogue that some readers may find uninteresting due to their length. On the other hand, these cutscenes frequently contribute to the expansion of the game’s world and characters, which in turn helps to increase player immersion.
Part 4: Conclusive Remarks
Overall, “Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess” is a compelling and captivating book with a standout main character, an interesting supporting cast, and a carefully imagined gaming world. This book is worth reading for anyone who likes well-written, interesting fiction or who likes isekai stories, otome games, or both.
Penelope’s character is different from the typical heroine archetype, and her story is a fascinating look at the complicated nature of identity and personal growth. It should be read by anyone who likes a good fantasy story with a touch of romance and suspense.
Readers who like this also read Reincarnated as a Villainess: All Eyes on Me
