Stephen DeMarco is a central character in the series, portrayed by Jackson White. He is a charismatic and attractive junior at Baird College, known for his manipulative and narcissistic personality. Stephen forms a romantic relationship with Lucy Albright but treats people as tools to serve his own needs. His lack of empathy and self-centeredness define his actions throughout the story, as he consistently avoids responsibility and shows no remorse for the pain he causes others.

Trivia/Facts

• Stephen DeMarco is a junior at Baird College, known for being attractive and charismatic. He starts a romantic relationship with Lucy Albright during her freshman year. Stephen is portrayed as having narcissistic and sociopathic traits. He uses his charm to manipulate people for his own benefit without feeling any guilt.
• Stephen’s view on relationships is shaped by his belief in “nature’s laws.” He believes monogamy is unnatural and cheats on his girlfriends. He hides his infidelities not out of guilt but to maintain the relationships that benefit him emotionally and physically. He sees people as tools to fulfill his needs.
• Stephen’s relationship with his family shows his lack of compassion. He is cold toward his bipolar mother, who left the family, and his heartbroken father. He also dislikes his brother’s genuine relationship with his girlfriend, finding it tiring. This shows Stephen’s inability to connect emotionally with others.
• Stephen refuses to take responsibility for his actions, especially when his past DUI affects his law school applications. Instead of accepting blame, he blames his father and the arresting officer for his failures. His tendency to play the victim highlights his self-centered nature. He never learns from his mistakes.

Tell Me Lies (2022)

• Stephen’s role in Macy’s death further reveals his lack of conscience. While the memory of her death haunts him, he is mainly relieved that he wasn’t held accountable. He doesn’t feel true sorrow for her loss but worries about being exposed. His focus is always on protecting himself from consequences.
• At the end of the story, Stephen’s manipulative nature remains unchanged. Even though he is engaged, he tries to flirt with Lucy at Bree’s wedding. This shows that he is still self-centered and has no interest in becoming a better person. Stephen continues to act selfishly without any remorse.

Stephen DeMarco’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Stephen and Lucy Albright: Stephen starts a romantic relationship with Lucy during her freshman year. He manipulates her with his charm and keeps secrets, including his infidelities. Stephen doesn’t truly care for Lucy but uses her to meet his emotional and physical needs.
• Stephen and His Family: Stephen has a cold and distant relationship with his family. He feels no sympathy for his mother, who left them, and resents his father. He also dislikes his brother’s genuine relationship with his girlfriend, finding it tiresome.
• Stephen and Macy: Stephen is indirectly responsible for Macy’s death in a car accident. He doesn’t feel guilt for her loss, focusing instead on avoiding consequences and keeping his secret safe. His selfishness is evident as he shows no true remorse.
• Stephen and Bree: Stephen attends Bree’s wedding at the end of the story, where he tries to flirt with Lucy despite being engaged. This shows that Stephen’s manipulative and narcissistic behavior continues, even with Bree’s special occasion as a backdrop.