Well, everyone lies. The difference between a hero and a villain is whether anyone believes him

Well, everyone lies. The difference between a hero and a villain is whether anyone believes him

In the world of Joe Abercrombie's novels, the line between hero and villain is often blurred, with characters who are neither wholly good nor wholly evil. One of the recurring themes in Abercrombie's works is the idea that everyone lies, and it is the perception of those lies that ultimately determines whether a character is seen as a hero or a villain.

Abercrombie's characters are complex and morally ambiguous, often driven by their own desires and motivations rather than a strict sense of right and wrong. They are not afraid to manipulate or deceive others in order to achieve their goals, and their actions can sometimes be seen as selfish or even cruel. However, what sets these characters apart is their ability to convince others – and perhaps even themselves – that their lies are justified.

One of the most compelling examples of this theme can be found in Abercrombie's First Law trilogy, where characters like Logen Ninefingers and Sand dan Glokta are forced to navigate a world where truth and honor are in short supply. Logen, a barbarian warrior with a dark past, is haunted by the violence he has committed and the lies he has told to survive. Despite his brutal nature, he is ultimately driven by a desire to do what is right, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.

On the other hand, Glokta is a former soldier turned torturer who has embraced his role as a villain in order to survive in a world where power is everything. He is unapologetic about his actions and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position of authority. However, despite his ruthless nature, Glokta is also a deeply flawed and vulnerable character, struggling with his own demons and haunted by the lies he tells himself.