The Dead Zone

Main Characters and Their Development

• Johnny Smith - the protagonist of the book, a teacher who falls into a coma for several years after an accident. Upon waking, he discovers he has psychic abilities that allow him to see the past and future of people he contacts. Johnny tries to use his abilities for good, but this leads him to moral and physical challenges.
• Sarah Bracknell - Johnny's love interest, who marries someone else while Johnny is in a coma. Despite this, she continues to care for and support Johnny after he awakens.
• Greg Stillson - the antagonist of the book, an ambitious and ruthless politician who seeks power. Johnny sees in his visions that Stillson will cause a catastrophe and decides to stop him at any cost.
• Herb Smith - Johnny's father, who supports his son after he wakes up and helps him cope with his new abilities.
• Vera Smith - Johnny's mother, a deeply religious woman who believes Johnny's abilities are a gift from God. She plays an important role in Johnny's life, although their relationship is often strained.
• Sheriff George Bannerman - a sheriff who turns to Johnny for help in solving a series of murders. Johnny assists him in catching the killer using his psychic abilities.