Misery - Characters & Cast

To possess Paul Sheldon and keep the fictional world of Misery Chastain alive forever. She seeks to create a perfect, romanticized reality where she and Paul (and Misery) exist together, shielded from the 'cockadoodie' world.

Annie remains static in her madness but escalates in violence. She begins as a savior but is revealed to be a serial killer ('The Dragon Lady'). Her arc is a descent into pure psychosis as her desperate need to possess Paul and Misery completely consumes her humanity.

Survival. Initially, he just wants to heal and leave, but his motivation shifts to appeasing Annie to stay alive long enough to escape or kill her.

Paul transforms from an arrogant, somewhat weary celebrity into a desperate survivor. He learns to use his understanding of narrative and character to manipulate Annie. He moves from passivity to active resistance, ultimately reclaiming his life and his agency through violence.

Duty and justice. He is driven by a hunch that the disappearance isn't a simple accident.

The local sheriff who diligently pieces together the clues of Paul's disappearance. He serves as the audience's hope for external rescue. His arc is one of competent investigation that tragically leads to his death, emphasizing Paul's total isolation.