Paul is a 42-year-old, twice-divorced, bestselling author famous for a series of 19th-century romance novels. Frustrated with his commercial success, he recently completed a manuscript called *Fast Cars* to pivot toward serious literature. A heavy drinker and smoker, his vulnerability drastically increases when an accident leaves his legs shattered and places him at the mercy of a strange local woman. He uses his vivid imagination to cope with his physical and emotional trauma while trapped in a spare bedroom.

Annie is a middle-aged former nurse living alone on a remote farm outside Sidewinder, Colorado. She dresses conservatively in gray cardigans and wool skirts, projecting a stern but superficially maternal demeanor. Despite her rural isolation and prudish language—preferring words like "cockadoodie" over profanity—she possesses an intense, unpredictable temper. She claims to have rescued Paul from his overturned Camaro and acts as his sole, unlicensed medical provider.

Misery is the beloved heroine of Paul Sheldon's incredibly successful 19th-century romance novels. As a fictional character, her life and dramatic adventures drive Paul's wealth and Annie's dangerous obsession. Her narrative presence forces Paul back to his typewriter, blurring the lines between his imagination and his grim reality as he attempts to write her back into existence.

Ian is a central character in Paul Sheldon's fictional romance series. He serves as Misery's devoted husband, providing her with a desperate blood transfusion during a difficult childbirth. His emotional distress and deep attachment to his wife form the emotional core of Paul's new manuscript.

Geoffrey is a supporting character in the fictional Misery series. He actively investigates the strange circumstances surrounding Misery's burial, demonstrating loyalty and courage. He works closely with the household staff and local villagers to uncover the truth about Misery's condition.

Mrs. Ramage is the loyal maid to the Carmichael household in Paul's fictional series. She possesses local knowledge about previous strange occurrences in the village, specifically regarding premature burials, making her an essential part of the plot to rescue Misery.

Duane Kushner is a young police officer in his early twenties. He drives his cruiser out to the Wilkes farm while actively searching for the missing celebrity author. His arrival brings a sudden burst of activity to the isolated property.

Wicks is a tall Colorado state trooper with shoulders wide as a barn beam. He arrives at Annie's property to follow up on the disappearance of a fellow law enforcement officer, bringing professional scrutiny to the quiet farm.

McKnight is a smaller state trooper with faded blue eyes. He works alongside Wicks to conduct interviews and searches in the rural community following the alarming disappearance of a local police officer.

Charlie Merrill is Paul Sheldon's literary editor and primary publishing contact. He handles the business side of Paul's massive commercial success and encourages him to capitalize on his highly anticipated upcoming releases.

Ralph Dugan is a physical therapist who briefly marries Annie Wilkes in 1979. Their marriage lasts less than a year before he files for divorce, officially citing mental cruelty.

Misery is a sow living on Annie Wilkes's farm. Named after Paul Sheldon's famous literary character, the pig represents Annie's obsessive blending of her rural reality with her favorite fictional world.