Villanelle (character)

Villanelle is a fictional character appearing in Luke Jennings' Codename Villanelle novella series, and subsequently adapted for television in the BBC America series Killing Eve. She is portrayed by actress Jodie Comer in the television adaptation.

Villanelle, whose real name is Oksana Astankova, is a psychopathic and highly skilled assassin. Her backstory reveals a troubled childhood and a pattern of violent behavior that ultimately led her to be recruited by a clandestine organization known as "The Twelve." She operates as a contract killer, carrying out assignments across Europe with a distinct flair and a penchant for extravagant methods.

Villanelle is characterized by her intelligence, resourcefulness, and a captivating yet unsettling charisma. She possesses a sharp wit and a dark sense of humor, often displaying a detached and almost playful attitude towards her deadly profession. Her flamboyant fashion sense and mastery of multiple languages are defining aspects of her persona.

The character is most notably defined by her complex and obsessive relationship with Eve Polastri (played by Sandra Oh in the television series), an MI6 agent tasked with tracking her down. This relationship evolves from a cat-and-mouse game into a mutual fascination and a deep, albeit volatile, connection. The dynamic between Villanelle and Eve explores themes of obsession, power, and the blurring lines between good and evil.

Villanelle's motives are often ambiguous, fluctuating between a desire for freedom, a need for validation, and a genuine, if twisted, affection for Eve. Her actions are unpredictable, making her a compelling and dangerous figure within the narrative.