It focuses on mental horror, growing dread and the suspense of who will win to keep the reader on edge. It’s clear from the very first page that this novel isn’t like other horror novels. Who is Paul Sheldon? James Caan as imperiled novelist Paul Sheldon. When she discovers Sheldon has killed off her beloved character, she imprisons Sheldon in her remote home and coerces him with drugs and violence to write a new book to bring her back to life.Īnd if he doesn’t cooperate? Annie has an axe that’s just begging to be used. He is rescued by perhaps the worst person ever: Annie Wilkes, a psychotic nurse who happens to be Paul Sheldon’s “number one fan.”Īnnie has read all of Paul Sheldon’s books and is obsessed with him and Misery.

Unfortunately, while driving back to New York, he gets into a car accident that shatters his limbs and pelvis. Sheldon has begun to loathe the main character of his books, Misery Chastain, and has promptly killed her off in the final installment of the series, “Misery’s Child.” He then finished a new novel, a serious novel, while in Colorado. “Misery” tells the story of writer Paul Sheldon, who feel stuck in a rut after he has been relegated to writing a series of bodice-rippers, kind of like the Khaavren Romances by Steven Brust, only historical. Just like Fat Thor, there is more to this character than meets the eye.īut who is Paul Sheldon? What does he represent in the story? And how does Stephen King use Paul Sheldon to explore the themes of the novel and himself? What was “Misery” About? “Misery” follows the twisted tale of Paul Sheldon and his captor, Annie Wilkes.

However, they often ignore the main character of the movie, historical romance author Paul Sheldon.

The performances in the movie were so stirring that then-newcomer Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the psychotic Annie Wilkes.Īnalysis of the novel and the movie often focus on the compelling and intimidating figure that is Annie Wilkes. Not only was the original novel itself richly written with complex themes and frightening moments, but the movie adaptation that came out in 1991 did it justice. Stephen King’s 1987 horror novel “Misery” is one of his most critically acclaimed works for good reason.

Paul sheldon misery novels