Stephen King Desperation - The evil Tak escapes from his home

Description: Desperation has been taken over by the evil Tak, an ancient beast, who takes over the bodies of people in order to get them to do his evil wishes. Tak escaped from an ancient mine and then slowly takes over the bodies of the inhabitants of Desperation, a small mining town, and kills some, imprisoning others. Can a small boy defeat this ancient beast?

Notes of Interest: Contains many of the same characters as the Regulators, although the two books are not related in any way.

?, Barbie	Worked for Desperation Mining Corporation.
?, Betty	Aunt of Steve Ames who lived in Arnette. He was stung by a fiddleback spider in her woodpile as a child
?, Bonnie	A poster of Bonnie and Clyde was in The American West theatre.
?, Clyde	A poster of Bonnie and Clyde was in The American West theatre.
?, Denise	Worked mornings at the Owls Club in Desperation.
?, George	Character in "Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf"
?, Jim	Worked for Desperation Mining Corporation.
?, Kathi	Name on the footpath in David Carver's dream
?, Martha	Character in "Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf"
?, Russell	Name on the footpath in David Carver's dream
?, Wanda	Aunt of Cynthia Smith. Cynthia's father was drunk at her second wedding, and when he danced with Cynthia, he felt her up.
3 Stooges	Mentioned in passing
Aaron	Biblical character mentioned in passing
Albee, Edward	Wrote "Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf"
Ames, Steven Andrew	Van driver that was helping John Marinville travel across the country. He went looking for John when he got a phone call from him saying he was in trouble. He helped the survivors in Desperation, and became good friends with a hitchhiker he picked up named Cynthia Smith.
Apple Jack	Childhood bogeyman of Mary Jackson
Appleton, Jack	Editor at FS&G for John Marinville for the last 10 years.
Barrow, Clyde	John Marinville had a terrified Clude Barrow grin when he blew off the Cougar's head.
Bates, Mrs	Character in the movie Psycho. Mother of Norman Bates. Dead
Bates, Norman	Character in the movie Psycho
Bee Gees, The	Band mentioned in passing
Belle, Albert	Baseball player who had signed one of David Carver's baseball cards.
Benny, Jack	Comedian mentioned in passing
Bergman, Ingrid	Actress mentioned in passing
Berk, Alfie	Owner of Berk's Conoco in Fallon, Nevada.
Billingsley, Mr	Father of Tom Billingsley. He told him stories about the Rattlesnake Number One mine sealing.
Billingsley, Tom	Retired vet with white hair that was captured by Collie Entragian. A drunk that was attacked by a cougar in The American West theatre and died in July 1995.
Black Sabbath	Band that Steve Ames toured with for 8 months
Bligh, Captain	Mentioned in passing
Bogart, Humphrey	Actor mentioned in passing
Boone, Daniel	Mentioned in passing
Boone, Richard	Actor in the movie "Hombre"
Bowles, Paul	Mentioned in passing
Boyd, Stephen	Actor mentioned in passing
Bridges, Jeff	Actor in a movie titled American Heart
Brophy, Harold	A gambler that was supposed to have killed one of the Chinese miners that escaped Tak in the story told by Tom Billingsley.
Browne, Sam	Collier Entragian wore a Sam Browne belt.
Buckley, William F	Mentioned in passing
Buffalo Bill	Mentioned in passing
Bundy, Ted	Serial Killer
Burgoyne, Dr.	Doctor of Brian Ross when he was hit and almost killed by a drunk driver. He did not think Brian would live.
Burroughs, Edgar Rice	Author mentioned by Collie Entragian
Buzzards	One of the animals used by Tak to view the people in the town of Desperation and to kill others
Camel, Joe	There was a shirt with him on it in the toilet at the American West theatre in Desperation.
Can Tah's	Little God's. They sometimes took the form of animal stone statues that caused people to have evil thoughts, or do Tak's wishes
Can Tak's	Big God's.
Carpenter, Mary Chapin	Heard on the radio by Steve Ames
Carver, David	11 year old son of Ellen and Ralph Carver. Since his friend Brian Ross was healed after a horrific accident, he speaks to God 3 times a day. He guided the people in Desperation under some influence of God. He was left an orphan when his parents all died.
Carver, Ellen Margaret	Mother of David and Kirsten Carver, and wife of Ralph Carver. 4th victim of Tak but her body failed quickly because she had a yeast infection. She captured Mary Jackson, but Mary escaped before Tak could transfer into her, so it transferred into a Golden Eagle in July 1995.
Carver, Kirsten (Pie)	7 year old daughter of Ellen and Ralph Carver. Killed by Collie Entragian when he threw her down the stairs of the police station in Desperation in July 1995.
Carver, Ralph	Father of David and Kirsten Carver, and husband of Ellen Carver. Bit of a Gambler. They lived at 248 Poplar Street, Wentworth, Ohio. He was killed by the Golden Eagle that Tak was in while travelling into the China Pit mine in July 1995.
Cash, Johnny	Singer mentioned in passing
Cavaliere, Felix	Lead singer of The Rascalls
Cheever, John	Writer mentioned by John Marinville. He died as an alcoholic
Christian, Fletcher	Mentioned in passing
Claus, Santa	Santa. Mentioned in passing
Clinton, Bill	President of the USA mentioned in passing
Colonel Henry	A Motocop character mentioned in passing
Cougar, The	Attacked and killed Tom Billingsley in The American West theatre. Controlled by Tak. It was shot and killed by John Marinville in July 1995.
Coyote's	One of the animals used by Tak to view the people in the town of Desperation and to kill others
Curious George	Character in a book read by Ellen Carver to Kirsten Carver
Daniel	Biblical character mentioned in passing
Daniels, Norman	He Broke Cynthia Smith's nose and killed Anna Stevenson.
Daniels, Rose Diana	Wife of Norman Daniels. She was not mentioned by name, but was described.
Davis, Bette	Actress in movies played at The American West theatre in Desperation
Day, Doris	Actress mentioned in passing
Dean, James	Dead actor
DeMille, Cecil B	Movie director
Dickey, James	In an article written by Peter Jackson
Doolottle, Dr	Character out of Children's books
Do-Right, Dudley	Cartoon character mentioned in passing
Douglas, Kirk	Actor in movies played at The American West theatre in Desperation
Dr Ruth	Therapist mentioned in passing
Dredd, Judge	David Carver owns a toy of him
Duchess of Windsor	Mentioned in passing
Duke of Earl	Mentioned in passing
Dylan, Bob	Singer who played with Peter Tosh at Forest Hills
Entragian, Collier (Collie)	Town cop from Desperation that was the 3rd victim of Tak. He was a large man who killed almost everyone else in the town of Desperation before releasing Tak to enter Ellen Carver. Died in July 1995.
Esau	Character from the Bible
Escolla, ?	Killed in Desperation when he was run over with his girlfriend, then shot by Collier Entragian in July 1995. Worked at the crusher at the Desperation Mine.
Fiddleback Spiders	One of the animals used by Tak to view the people in the town of Desperation and to kill others
Finney, ?	Ex-husband of Deirdre Finney. They are divorced.
Finney, Deirdre	Married name of Deirdre Jackson. A bit of a drug addict
Foote, Shelby	Writer who likened John Marinville to John Steinbeck
Frankenstein	Mentioned in passing
Franklin, Patricia	Name in John Marinville's notebook. A redhead from the "Friends of open Libes".
Friday, Joe	Collie Entragian sounded like him
G I Joe	Kids character
Garcia, Jerry	Mentioned in passing
Gardner, John	Author who hit a tree and died on a motorbike in Pennsylvania
Garfield	Comic Cat
Gartner, Bruno	In a car accident with John Marinville. The car was driven by Sean Hutter, and he rolled it, killing one person in 1986
Geller, Frank	Chief mining engineer for Desperation Mining Corporation in charge of reopening the mine. His hand was cut off and put into the fishtank when he was killed in July 1995.
God	He often talked to David Carver, and helped them defeat Tak.
Golden Eagle	Tak transferred itself from the dying Ellen Carver to the eagle and used it to kill Ralph Carver. When it Died, Tak could not transfer itself into another body. Died in July 1995.
Goofy	Cartoon character in a screen saver at the Desperation Mining Corporation office
Gould, Jay	John Marinville was writing a novel about him but destroyed it by putting the discs in the microwave for 10 minutes on high.
Greatful Dead, The	Band mentioned in passing
Guthrie, Arlo	Mentioned in passing
Halberstam, David	Writer and Historian that was in Vietnam with John Marinville. He was in a photo in John Marinville's wallet.
Hansen, Buzz	Friend of Tom Billingsley in Desperation. Probably died in July 1995.
Harding, Tonya	She was on the cover of a Penthouse magazine
Hardy, Mrs	Worked in the West Wentworth Middle School Office
Harris, Bill	Agent of John Marinville. Met in 1965
Hemingway, Ernest	Writer mentioned in passing
Hendrix, Jimmy	Musician mentioned in passing
Heston, Charlton	Actor mentioned in passing
Houdini, Harry	Escape artist
Hudson, Rock	Actor mentioned in passing
Hutter, Sean	Friend of John Marinville that drove a car and he rolled it, killing one person in 1986. He was paralysed from the neck down.
Iunesco, Eugene	Writer mentioned in passing
Ives, Marty	Friend of Tom Billingsley in Desperation. Probably died in July 1995.
Jackson, Deirdre	Sister of Peter Jackson and owned the car he was driving. Maiden name of Deirdre Finney. Her drugs were found in the boot by Collie Entragian.
Jackson, Mary	Wife of Peter Jackson. She wrote poetry. Tried to shoot Collie Entragian with a shotgun, but just missed. Later taken by Ellen Carver from The American West, but she escaped before Tak could enter her.
Jackson, Mr	Father of Peter Jackson
Jackson, Mrs	Mother of Peter Jackson
Jackson, Peter	Husband of Mary Jackson. Assistant professor of English at New York University. Shot 4 times and killed by Collie Entragian as he was caught with drugs in his sister Deirdre Finney's car in July 1995.
Jacob	Character from the Bible
Jesus	Mentioned in passing
John the Baptist	Character in the Bible
Joseph	Character in the Bible
Josephson, ?	One of two children of Brad Josephson. In a photo on his desk.
Josephson, ?	One of two children of Brad Josephson. In a photo on his desk.
Josephson, Brad	Desperation Mining Corporation secretary. The second victim of Tak, before Tak entered Collier Entragian. He died because he had a leaky heart valve in July 1995.
Josephson, Mrs	Wife of Brad Josephson. In a photo on his desk.
Joshua	Biblical character mentioned in passing
Judkins, Richie	Ex-boyfriend of Cynthia Smith. He almost tore her ear off when he came home drugged on Crystal Meth.
Karloff, Boris	Actor in Frankenstein movies
Kincaid, Tom	Friend of Tom Billingsley in Desperation. Probably died in July 1995.
King Darius	Biblical character mentioned in passing
Kinshaw, Gertrude (Gert)	A friend of Cynthia Smith who worked for Daughters and Sisters.
Koontz, Dean	Writer mentioned by Cynthia Smith
KrayZee, Professor	Cartoon character liked by Kirsten Carver
Lake, Ricki	TV Talk Show host
Lancaster, Cash	Friend of Tom Billingsley in Desperation. Probably died in July 1995.
Lennon, John	Singer mentioned in passing
Lewis, Jerry	Comedian mentioned in passing
Lightfoot, Gordon	Mentioned in passing
Lincoln, Abe	President of the USA
Little Rascalls, the	Band later known as The Rascalls
Loren, Sophia	Actress in movies played at The American West theatre in Desperation
Loveless, Patty	Singer thought of by Tom Billingsley
Loving, Clayton	Has some stuff auctioned off, and the bar from the property was put into the American West theatre by Tom Billingsley and his friend
Lushan, Ch'an	Worked in the China Mine in 1859. Brother of Shih. Escaped from the mine, and trapped those inside by causing the entrance to cave in. Entered Desperation a few weeks later and was hung 2 days after his brother was killed in October 1859
Lushan, Shih	Worked in the China Mine in 1859. Brother of Ch'an Escaped from the mine, and trapped those inside by causing the entrance to cave in. Entered Desperation a few weeks later and was killed in the Lady Day saloon in October 1859.
Mailer, Norman	Writer who John Marinville was likened to
Mansfield, Jane	Actress in movies played at The American West theatre in Desperation
Marcucci, Sylvia	Spat on Cynthia Smith in the 8th grade
Marinville, ?	Child of John and Terry Marinville. One of 2 that no longer speak to their father
Marinville, ?	Child of John and Terry Marinville. One of 2 that no longer speak to their father
Marinville, ?	Fourth wife of John Marinville. Divorced. A well known American actress that left him.
Marinville, ?	Second wife of John Marinville. Divorced
Marinville, ?	Third wife of John Marinville. Divorced. He beat her up while drunk.
Marinville, Bronwyn	Daughter of John and Terry Marinville. The only one of his children that still talk to their father
Marinville, John Edward	A 56 year old writer who tried to commit suicide in the past. He was travelling across the country on a Harley researching a new book. Wrote the short stories: "Death on the Second Shift", "Feeding the Flames", "A kiss on lake Saranac", "Heaven-sent Weather". His books include: "Delight", "Song of the Hammer", and "Tiburon". He was researching a new book of true stories to be released as a non-fiction book when he was captured by Collie Entragian. He died in July 1995 when he blew up Tak's ini using ANFO explosive and a shotgun shell.
Marinville, Terry	First wife of John Marinville, and married when she was 21. They divorced, but still keep in contact.
Martin, Gene	Reverend at the Methodist Church in Wentworth who spoke to David Carver about God. Husband of Stella Martin. Died 2 days after David Carver left on his trip in July 1995.
Martin, Stella	Wife of Gene Martin.
Martinez, Pascal	Saturday blast crew boss for the Desperation Mining Corp. Shot dead by Cary Ripton in July 1995.
Maupin, Armistead	Author mentioned by Collie Entragian
McCarthy, Cormac	Mentioned in passing
Monroe, Marilyn	Actress who's poster is in the projection booth at The American West Movie Theatre
Moran, Flip	Killed when he was run over by Collier Entragian. He was with a large woman at the time. Died in July 1995.
Moses	Biblical character mentioned in passing
Moss, Kate	Mentioned in passing
Motokops 2200	Kirsten Carver was wearing a Motokops shirt when she was killed
Mummy, The	From horror films watched by Brian Ross and David Carver
Murphy, David Lee	Singer mentioned in passing
Newman, Paul	Actor in movies played at The American West theatre in Desperation
Newman, Paul	Actor in the movie "Hombre"
Nickerson, Patty	In a car accident with John Marinville. The car was driven by Sean Hutter, and he rolled it, killing one person in 1986
Oates, Joyce Carol	At a party in East Hampton with John Marinville
O'Brien, Tim	Actor mentioned by Collie Entragian
Onslo, Dick	Friend of Tom Billingsley in Desperation. Probably died in July 1995.
Ortega, Tommy	Owned an ElCamino truck in Desperation. The truck was seen overturned near the hardware store.
Paiuta	Natives from around the Desperation area.
Palance, Jack	Actor mentioned in passing
Paycheck, Johnny	Mentioned in passing
Pearl Jam	Band mentioned in passing
Pearson, Dave	Was full time deputy in Desperation that was shot by Collier Entragian in July 1995.
Peck, Gregory	Actor in movies played at The American West theatre in Desperation
Pharaoh	Character in the Bible
Pickins, Slim	Mentioned in passing
Pinette, Duffy	In Vietnam with John Marinville. He is in a photo in John's wallet.
Pope John Paul	Mentioned in passing
Poppins, Mary	Mentioned in passing
Potiphar	Character from the Bible
Presley, Elvis	Singer mentioned in passing
Prudum, Joe	Night watchman for Desperation Mining Corp. Shot dead by Cary Ripton in July 1995.
Queen Victoria	Mentioned in passing
Raitt, Bonnie	Singer who's tape was in Peter Jackson's car
Rancourt, Billy	Desperation town drunk and the Barber who also worked at the Feed Store. Escaped the first round of shooting but was later run over by Collie Entragian when John Marinville was in the car in July 1995.
Rascalls, The	Band mentioned in passing. Used to be called The Little Rascalls
Reed, James (Jim)	Desperation Safety Officer. Sort of like the town Chief of Police. Shot dead in July 1995.
Rice, Anne	Author mentioned by Collie Entragian
Ripton, ?	Brother of Cary Ripton
Ripton, ?	Brother of Cary Ripton
Ripton, Cary	48 Year old balding Pit foreman of the Rattlesnake Division that was the first victim of Tak. He died quickly because he was suffering from prostate cancer. Tak transferred to Brad Josephson. Died in July 1995.
Rivera, Miquel	Works with Pascal Martinez at the Desperation mine on the weekend blasting crew. Shot dead by Cary Ripton in July 1995.
Ross, Brian	David's friend from Wentworth. He was hit by a drunk driver and was expected to die, but after David Carver spoke to God, he recovered.
Ross, Debbie	Mother of Brian Ross and wife of Mark Ross
Ross, Mark	Father of Brian Ross and husband of Debbie Ross
Sally	Horse of Audry Wyler. 4 year old mare that was treated by Tom Billingsley.
Satan	Biblical character mentioned in passing
Sawyer, Tom	Mentioned in passing
Schwartzenegger, Arnold	Actor mentioned in passing
Shakespere, William	Author mentioned in passing
Shoenstack, Evelyn	Runs Desperation cut and curl and worked in the library. Shot dead by Collie Entragian in July 1995.
Shoshone, The	Natives from around the Desperation area.
Smith, Cynthia	Hitchhiker picked up by Steve Ames outside Ely while on her way back home to her parents. She was in Daughters and Sisters because her ear was almost ripped off by Richie Judkins, and later had nose broken by Norman Daniels. Helped Steve in Desperation
Smith, Mr	Father of Cynthia. Used to be a minister, but now retired.
Smith, Mrs	Mother of Cynthia Smith
Snakes	One of the animals used by Tak to view the people in the town of Desperation and to kill others
Soderson, Gary	Friend of Peter and Mary Jackson. Husband of Marielle Soderson. Lived in Lake Tahoe
Soderson, Marielle	Friend of Peter and Mary Jackson. Wife of Gary Soderson. Lived in Lake Tahoe
Southside Johnny	Steve Ames worked for them in 1986
Spielberg, Steven	At a party in East Hampton with John Marinville
Steele, Danielle	Writer mentioned by Cynthia Smith
Steinbeck, John	Writer who John Marinville was likened to
Stevenson, Anna	Ran the Daughters and Sisters shelter until she was murdered by Norman Daniels
Stoker, Bram	Writer mentioned in passing
Stone, Robert	Actor mentioned by Collie Entragian
Styles, Cassandra (Cassie)	A Motocop character on Kristen Carvers shirt
Swaggart, Jimmy	Preacher mentioned in passing
Sweetheart, Melissa	Doll of Kristen Carver
Symes, Allen	Mining engineer and company Comptroller for Desperation Mining Corporation, from Phoenix. Died in July 1995.
Tak	Ancient Evil that lives in an ini in the old China Pit. Inhabits people's bodies and causes them to do evil. Its influence causes people to grow, and degenerate rapidly, causing death in a matter of hours or days. Hopefully killed by John Marinville when he blew up the ini in July 1995.
Ti, Yuan	A miner in the China Pit that went mad because of the can tahs. Shot dead by Shuh Lushan September 21, 1859
Timorov, Rachel	In a car accident with John Marinville. The car was driven by Sean Hutter, and he rolled it, killing her in 1986
Tommyknockers, The	Troublemakers that are rumoured to inhabit mines. It was said that they were the cause of the cave-in at the China Pit
Tosh, Peter	Singer on Cynthia Smith's shirt. Steve Ames was a rodie for him in 1980.
Trackers, The	Band mentioned in passing
Tritt, Travis	Country Singer mentioned in passing
Tucker, Tanya	Country Singer mentioned in passing
Turner, Kirk	Crew boss in the rattlesnake Number Two mine for Desperation Mining Corporation. Shot by Cary Ripton in July 1995.
Turner, Mrs	Wife of Kirk Turner. Shot by Cary Ripton in July 1995
Tyler, Steven	Steve Ames once worked for him.
Van Slyke, Andy	Baseball player who had signed one of David Carver's baseball cards.
Waits, Tom	Singer mentioned in passing
Waslewski, Dr.	Neurologist looking after Brian Ross after he was hit by a car
Wayne, John	Actor mentioned by Collie Entragian
Winfrey, Oprah	TV Talk Show host
Wolfe, Tom	Laughed at John Marinville's imitation of Jimmy Swaggart
Worrell, Hugh	Father of Wendy and Mert Worrell and owner of Worrells store and butcher. Shot in the head in July 1995.
Worrell, Mert	Son of Hugh Worrell. Found dead in his bed in July 1995.
Worrell, Mrs	Wife of Hugh Worrell and mother of Mert and Wendy. Her throat was cut in July 1995.
Worrell, Wendy	Daughter of Hugh Worrell. Killed by Collie Entragian in July 1995.
Wrightson, Bernie	Collie Entragian had a chin like a Bernie Wrightson comic book hero
Wyler, Audrey	Joined the group in the theatre in Desperation. She was a consulting Geologist for Diablo Mining. She hid in a laundromat for 2 days, and when she joined the other survivors, she was really under the influence of the evil Can Tah's that she collected. Tried to kill David carver, but died when she failed and was separated from the Can Tah's in July 1995.
Wyler, Mr	Father of Audrey Wyler. He gave her a gun when she was 12 years old
Yeoman, Curt	Worked for telephone company. Probably killed by Collie Entragian in July 1995.
Zappa, Frank	Singer mentioned in passing