In Stephen King's The Mist, David Drayton and his son Billy are trapped in a supermarket in their small Maine town when a strange mist filled with mysterious and violent creatures envelops the area. As fear and desperation mount among the townspeople, David must navigate the dangers outside and the growing madness inside to protect his son and find a way to survive.

Stephen King's The Mist is praised for its gripping atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling that keeps readers on edge. The novella's claustrophobic setting and intense character dynamics highlight King's mastery of horror. However, some readers find the ending unsatisfactory and abrupt. Overall, it remains a thrilling read for horror enthusiasts.

Reader profile: A fan of suspenseful horror and psychological thrillers would enjoy Stephen King's The Mist. Ideal for those who appreciate atmospheric tension and intricate character dynamics, similar to readers of The Stand by Stephen King or Bird Box by Josh Malerman. The novel is perfect for adults and mature teens who crave chilling, thought-provoking narratives.

Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Challenging

- The Mist was originally published in 1980 as part of the horror anthology Dark Forces before being included in King's collection Skeleton Crew in 1985.
- The novella was inspired by a real-life visit Stephen King made to a supermarket during a thunderstorm, leading to a reflection on the vulnerability of people in ordinary settings.
- In the 2007 film adaptation directed by Frank Darabont, Stephen King praised the altered ending, suggesting it was even more effective than his original conclusion in the novella.

**David Drayton**  
A commercial artist and devoted family man, he becomes the narrator of the story, recounting the events that unfold when a mysterious mist engulfs his town.

**Mrs. Carmody**  
An eccentric antique store owner known in the community, she turns to religious fanaticism to explain the mist and its horrors, garnering followers among the trapped townspeople.

**Brent Norton**  
David’s neighbor, who faces isolation and disbelief when confronted with the dangers outside the supermarket, ultimately leading a group of non-believers to an uncertain fate.

**Ollie Weeks**  
The assistant manager at the supermarket who, despite his initial fear, ultimately takes on a leadership role, showing remarkable bravery and responsibility during the crisis.

**Amanda Dumfries**  
A visitor to Bridgton who becomes trapped in the supermarket, she quickly becomes an integral part of David’s group, offering support and care for those around her.

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Chapters 1-3

The Mist Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Mist Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

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Chapters 10-11

The Mist Chapters 10-11 Summary & Analysis

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The Mist Character Analysis

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The Mist

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