Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Gritty / Suspenseful

Christine by Stephen King presents a thrilling tale blending horror and supernatural elements. Reviewers praise its engaging plot and deep character development, especially the portrayal of teenage angst and obsession. However, some critics find the narrative pacing uneven and the concept of a haunted car potentially absurd. Nonetheless, King's atmospheric writing keeps readers enthralled.

Fans of horror, psychological thrillers, and supernatural fiction will relish Stephen King's Christine. Readers who enjoyed the eerie atmospheres and character-driven narratives in The Shining or Pet Sematary will find themselves captivated by this tale of a haunted car with a sinister influence.

Christine by Stephen King is a supernatural thriller centered on a young individual who acquires a classic car with a sinister history. The story explores themes of possession and the conflict between human and malevolent forces as the car exerts a deadly influence on its owner.

- Christine was originally released in 1983 and was Stephen King's first novel to feature a female protagonist, in this case, the car itself.
- The 1983 film adaptation directed by John Carpenter used over 20 different 1958 Plymouth Furys to depict Christine onscreen.
- Stephen King is known for intertwining his works, and in Christine, the car is hinted to be a model called a Plymouth Fury, which interestingly connects with the spirit of anger and violence, a theme seen in many of King's other novels.

**Arnold ("Arnie") Cunningham**  
Arnie is the central character whose life becomes intertwined with a mysterious car named Christine, leading to life-altering conflicts.

**Dennis Guilder**  
Dennis is Arnie's best friend who narrates parts of the story and takes on a heroic role in an attempt to save Arnie.

**Ronald ("Rollie") LeBay**  
LeBay is the former owner of Christine and the novel's primary antagonist, closely linked with the car's malevolent influence.

**Leigh Cabot**  
Leigh is Arnie's romantic interest who notices Christine's negative impact on Arnie and becomes an ally in confronting the car's dark influence.

**Will Darnell**  
Darnell owns the garage where Arnie keeps Christine and becomes an antagonist due to his criminal dealings and connection to the car.

**Arnie's Family**  
Arnie's family consists of his upper-middle-class parents, whose relationship with him becomes strained as he becomes more obsessed with Christine.

**Buddy Repperton and Social Group**  
Buddy is a bully in Arnie's school who, with his group of friends, becomes one of the story's antagonistic forces.

**George LeBay**  
George is Rollie LeBay's younger brother who warns Arnie of the danger posed by Christine and his brother's malevolent past.

**Rudolf Junkins**  
Junkins is a state detective investigating the events surrounding Arnie and Christine, adding tension to the unfolding narrative.

Stephen King

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Novel

Fiction

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Before You Read

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Before You Read Christine | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Christine Summary and Study Guide

Background

Christine Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Dennis—Teenage Car Songs”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 10

Christine Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-19

Christine Part 1, Chapters 11-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Arnie—Teenage Love Songs”

Part 2, Chapters 20-33

Christine Part 2, Chapters 20-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 34-42

Christine Part 2, Chapters 34-42 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Christine—Teenage Death-Songs”

Part 3-Epilogue

Christine Part 3-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Christine Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Christine

Before You Read

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