Summary

Misery is a psychological horror thriller by renowned author Stephen King. The story centers on Paul Sheldon, a famous author known for his popular Misery Chastain series of romance novels. After a near-fatal car crash in rural Colorado, Paul is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a former nurse and his self-proclaimed "number one fan." Instead of seeking medical help, Annie confines Paul to her home, leveraging her nursing skills and a stockpile of pain medication to keep him under her control.

The situation escalates when Annie, who is obsessed with Paul's series, discovers that he has killed off the beloved protagonist. Infuriated, Annie demands that Paul write a new novel, Misery's Return, to resurrect the character, and makes him her prisoner until he complies. As Paul writes to placate Annie, he discovers the extent of her instability and, worse, her dark past as a serial killer. The novel captures a harrowing tale of captivity, manipulation, and the struggle for survival, with Paul employing his cunning and resourcefulness in a desperate bid to escape Annie's clutches.

Misery earned critical acclaim for its exploration of themes such as fan obsession and the relationship between celebrities and their admirers. It diverges from King's usual incorporation of supernatural elements, offering a chilling look into human psychosis and the dark side of fandom. Published in 1987, the novel received that year's Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel and was nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1988.

Themes

• The dangerous nature of obsession

• The power dynamics in fan-creator relationships

• Isolation and imprisonment

• The psychological impact of captivity

• Creativity under duress

• Survival and the human will to live

• The fine line between sanity and insanity

• Recovery and the process of healing

Setting

Set in the late 20th century, Misery unfolds in the remote, rugged landscapes of rural Colorado and the small town of Sidewinder. The story plunges its characters—and readers—into an environment that is as isolating as it is picturesque. This setting amplifies the novel's themes of confinement and desperation, providing a stark backdrop to the harrowing psychological thriller that ensues.

Paul Sheldon's ordeal begins in the aftermath of a severe car accident amidst a snowstorm, which renders him helpless in the vast Colorado wilderness. The geographical isolation of Sidewinder is pivotal to the plot, as it enables Annie Wilkes to keep her favorite author a captive without immediate threat of discovery. The novel’s setting is not just a backdrop but a key player in the unfolding drama, adding to the hopelessness that Paul feels through the narrative.

From the cultural context, Misery takes place in the late 1980s, contemporary to its publication. This timeframe is marked by the lack of cell phones or other digital tools that might have allowed Paul a means of communication with the outside world. Stephen King masterfully employs this specific blend of place and time to escalate the feeling of dread and suspense that makes Misery so chilling.

Characters

• Paul Sheldon: Bestselling novelist and creator of the Misery Chastain series, who becomes a prisoner of Annie Wilkes, his "number one fan."

• Annie Wilkes: A former nurse and obsessed fan of Paul Sheldon's Mistery Chastain novels, who becomes the author's captor and tormentor.

• Misery Chastain: The fictional character in Paul Sheldon’s book series, whose death triggers the events of the novel.

• The State Trooper: A law enforcement officer who comes searching for Paul at Annie's house and is killed by Annie.

Quick facts

• Stephen King initially planned to release Misery under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, but his identity was revealed before the book's publication.

• Misery won the first ever Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 1987, solidifying its place in the horror genre.

• The image of Annie Wilkes came to Stephen King in a dream while he was on a flight to London, leading to the development of the novel.

• The character of Annie Wilkes is a metaphor for King's own struggle with cocaine addiction, with Annie representing his dependency on the drug.

• King wrote part of Misery at London's Brown's Hotel, using a desk that once belonged to Rudyard Kipling. Kipling had died of a stroke while using that very desk, a fact that intrigued King.

• The novel's depiction of the protagonist being forced to burn his manuscript was a powerful metaphor for King's feelings of being trapped by his own success in the horror genre.

Adaptations

Misery was adapted into a highly successful film in 1990, directed by Rob Reiner and starring James Caan as Paul Sheldon and Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. Bates's portrayal of Annie Wilkes was ranked by the American Film Institute as the 17th most iconic villain in the history of film. In 2015, the novel was adapted into a Broadway play, starring Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf. Misery also inspired a Tamil film titled Julie Ganapathi in 2003.

About the author

Stephen King (1947-) is a prolific American author best known for his extensive works in horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy. His remarkable storytelling ability has made him a household name, often referred to as the "King of Horror." King's books, including more than 50 worldwide bestsellers, have sold over 350 million copies, making him one of the most successful authors in modern literature. His literary career began with his 1974 debut novel Carrie, followed by notable works of horror such as Salem's Lot, The Shining, The Stand, and The Dead Zone. He has also won acclaim for his thrillers, The Bill Hodges Trilogy; his fantasy and Western series, The Dark Tower; and his nonfiction classic, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Born in Portland, Maine, King was raised primarily by his mother, after his father left when he was just two. His early life was marked by financial difficulties and frequent relocations across various states. Eventually settling back in Durham, Maine, he attended the University of Maine at Orono, where he contributed to the student newspaper and engaged in student politics. After graduating in 1970 with a BA in English, King struggled to find a teaching position, instead supporting himself by selling short stories to men's magazines and working at an industrial laundry.

King's personal life, particularly his marriage to Tabitha Spruce in 1971, plays a significant role in his writing. The couple's support for each other during their early struggles helped shape King's career. It was Tabitha who encouraged Stephen to expand his short story "Carrie" into a full-length novel, which eventually became his first published book and a significant breakthrough in his career. Together, Stephen and Tabitha King have three children, Naomi, Joe, and Owen, with both sons following in their father's footsteps to become writers.

Throughout his illustrious career, King has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2014 National Medal of Arts and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal. Many of his works have been adapted into celebrated films, television series, and miniseries, such as The Shawshank Redemption, Gerald's Game, It, and the Academy Award-winning Misery.