In this essay different aspects of the motif of the criminal have been traced in Lotta Lotass?s Min röst ska nu komma från en annan plats i rummet and Vladimir Nabokov?s Lolita. By seeking its representation in the texts, the intention was to show how themes, stylistic patterns and narrative functions interrelate in the construction of the motif. The perpetrator?s position within the narrative structure and its consequences have also been assessed.By discussing the meta-fictive aspects of the novels I stressed the importance of the reader?s function, arguing the reader?s participation in the construction of the motif..

Part of the great acclaim for Anne Rice?s Interview with the Vampire (1976) is due to the wayshe renews the vampire story by reinforcing the traditional erotic dimension and, as a result ofthis, the way she examines the theme of homosexuality already present in Bram Stoker?sDracula (1897). However, this essay shows that Rice?s novel stands in much closer relation toVladimir Nabokov?s Lolita (1955) than to Dracula and that pedophilia, not homosexuality, isthe facet of sexuality which here first and foremost comes into focus. Through a comparisonbetween Interview with the Vampire and Lolita emerges a surprising coherence on the levelsof plot and characterization, which in itself is of importance for our understanding of Rice?snovel as well as Lolita, but it is also interesting to note to what degree these two novels sharea world of concepts and ideas common to actual pedophiles.