Stephen King’s novels often delve into the supernatural, with one of the most intriguing abilities being “the shining.” This psychic ability, which includes telepathy, precognition, and the ability to see ghosts, was first introduced in King’s 1977 novel The Shining. Many characters across King’s multiverse possess this ability, each using it in unique ways that significantly impact their stories. Joe Hill, King’s son, has also incorporated similar supernatural abilities in his works, creating a fascinating extension of King’s universe. This article explores these characters in detail, discussing their abilities, roles, and how the shining influences their lives and the narratives they inhabit.

 

Stephen King Characters with the Shining

1. Danny Torrance (The Shining, Doctor Sleep)

 

Danny Torrance, introduced in The Shining, is perhaps the most famous character with the shining. As a young boy, Danny exhibits extraordinary psychic abilities, which allow him to communicate telepathically, foresee future events, and sense the presence of spirits at the Overlook Hotel. His shining manifests through his imaginary friend, Tony, who provides him with cryptic warnings about the dangers he faces. Danny’s abilities make him both vulnerable to the malevolent forces of the Overlook and essential in combating them.

In Doctor Sleep, a sequel to The Shining, an adult Danny, now known as Dan, uses his abilities to help terminally ill patients pass peacefully. His shining, which he has attempted to suppress with alcohol, becomes crucial in his battle against a group of psychic vampires known as the True Knot. Abra Stone, a young girl with an even more powerful shining, becomes his ally in this struggle, emphasizing the recurring theme of mentorship in King’s works.

 

2. Dick Hallorann (The Shining, It)

Dick Hallorann, the cook at the Overlook Hotel, also possesses the shining. He mentors young Danny and helps him understand and cope with his powers. Hallorann’s shining is depicted as strong and versatile, including telepathic communication and sensing danger. In a dramatic moment, Hallorann receives Danny’s telepathic distress call and rushes to the Overlook, ultimately playing a key role in saving Danny and his mother.

Hallorann reappears in the novel It, where his abilities are hinted at again. His presence across these stories highlights the interconnected nature of King’s universe and the recurring theme of the shining as a protective and insightful force.

 

3. Abra Stone (Doctor Sleep)

Abra Stone is a central character in Doctor Sleep, displaying a level of shining that surpasses even Danny’s. Her abilities include telepathy, telekinesis, and precognition. Abra’s shining is so powerful that it attracts the attention of the True Knot, who feed off the psychic energy of those with the shining to extend their own lives. Abra’s connection with Dan Torrance becomes a pivotal aspect of the narrative, with their combined powers ultimately overcoming the malevolent forces. Abra’s journey showcases the evolution of the shining from a terrifying burden to a powerful gift used for good.

 

4. Carrie White (Carrie)

Carrie White from Carrie is another character with the shining, although it manifests primarily as telekinesis. Carrie’s psychic abilities, suppressed and misunderstood by her oppressive mother and cruel peers, lead to catastrophic consequences during her high school prom. The trauma and isolation she experiences amplify her powers, resulting in a tragic and violent climax. Carrie’s story explores the darker potential of such powers when combined with emotional trauma and societal rejection, highlighting themes of repression and revenge.

 

5. John Coffey (The Green Mile)

In The Green Mile, John Coffey possesses a form of the shining that includes healing and empathic abilities. Coffey’s powers enable him to perform miraculous acts, such as curing diseases and reversing death. His abilities, however, also lead to his tragic fate, as he is misunderstood and feared by society. Coffey’s gentle nature and his ultimate sacrifice highlight the themes of compassion, misunderstanding, and the moral complexities of possessing such powers.

 

6. Dinky Earnshaw (Everything’s Eventual)

Dinky Earnshaw, from the novella Everything’s Eventual, has a unique form of the shining. His abilities include manipulating electronics and influencing others’ thoughts, which he initially uses for mundane purposes before being recruited by a shadowy organization for more nefarious tasks. Dinky’s story explores the ethical implications of using supernatural abilities and the personal cost of such powers.

 

7. Mother Abigail (The Stand)

Mother Abigail, a central figure in The Stand, has the shining, which she refers to as being in touch with God. Her abilities include visions and guidance, which she uses to lead the survivors of a pandemic in their fight against the evil Randall Flagg. Mother Abigail’s character embodies the theme of faith and the struggle between good and evil, using her powers to provide hope and direction in a post-apocalyptic world.

 

8. Charlie McGee (Firestarter)

Charlie McGee, from Firestarter, exhibits pyrokinetic abilities, which are a manifestation of the shining. Her powers result from government experiments on her parents and lead her to be relentlessly pursued by those seeking to exploit her abilities. Charlie’s story delves into the themes of exploitation and the loss of innocence, as she must navigate a world that fears and desires her powers.

 

9. Rose the Hat (Doctor Sleep)

Rose the Hat, the leader of the True Knot in Doctor Sleep, possesses the shining and uses it to feed off the psychic energy of children with similar abilities. Her powers include telepathy and the ability to influence others, making her a formidable antagonist. Rose’s character explores the theme of predation and the corrupting influence of power.

 

Joe Hill Characters with the Shining or Similar Abilities

10. Vic McQueen (NOS4A2)

Vic McQueen, the protagonist of NOS4A2, possesses a unique ability to find lost things by creating a psychic bridge with her mind. This ability, akin to the shining, allows her to travel across great distances instantly but at a significant personal cost. Vic’s powers draw her into a deadly confrontation with the villainous Charlie Manx. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the fight against evil, mirroring many of the themes in King’s works.

 

11. Charlie Manx (NOS4A2)

Charlie Manx, the antagonist of NOS4A2, has vampiric and psychic abilities that allow him to siphon the life force of children, maintaining his immortality. Manx’s insidious use of his powers to create a twisted, eternal Christmasland makes him a chilling villain. His abilities and their exploitation highlight the corrupting nature of power and the perversion of innocence.

 

12. Merrin Williams (Horns)

Merrin Williams from Horns exhibits supernatural abilities posthumously, influencing the living world through her connection with Ig Perrish. Her character is explored through flashbacks and memories, revealing the depth of her influence on Ig’s life and his transformation. Merrin’s character delves into themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of those we lose.

 

Comparing the characters from Stephen King’s and Joe Hill’s works reveals both thematic similarities and differences. Both authors explore the ethical implications of supernatural abilities, the personal costs associated with them, and the battle between good and evil. King’s characters often grapple with their powers in isolation, facing both internal and external threats, while Hill’s characters frequently confront their abilities in the context of broader societal and existential crises.

 

Cultural and Literary Impact

Characters with the shining and similar abilities have had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in film, television, and other media. The Shining, both the novel and its film adaptations, has become a cultural touchstone, while Doctor Sleep and NOS4A2 have expanded the universe, bringing new fans to King and Hill’s works. These characters’ enduring popularity highlights the fascination with the supernatural and the human condition’s exploration through extraordinary abilities.

The shining is a recurring and significant element in Stephen King’s novels, embodying the intersection of the ordinary and the supernatural. Characters with this ability are often pivotal to their stories, whether they use their powers for good, like Danny Torrance and Dick Hallorann, or for evil, like Rose the Hat. By exploring the shining through various characters, King delves into themes of power, isolation, and the human condition, enriching his narratives and captivating readers with his intricate world-building. Joe Hill continues this tradition, creating characters with unique abilities that resonate with the same depth and complexity, expanding the multiverse created by his father.