The Shining Characters: Complete Analysis
The Shining features complex characters representing different aspects of society, each embodying themes of the novel.
Jack Torrance is the recovering alcoholic writer who takes the caretaker job to finish his play and restart his life. Wendy is his wife who stays despite Jack's past violence. Danny is their five-year-old son with psychic abilities called "the shining." Dick Hallorann is the hotel cook who also has the shining and warns Danny about the hotel. The Overlook Hotel itself is basically a character—it has a malevolent presence that feeds on psychic energy.