Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, racism, gender discrimination, cursing, child death, illness, and death.

Arnie is the novel’s main character since the events center on him. Dennis emphasizes Arnie’s centrality when he declares, “This is the story of a lover’s triangle, I suppose you’d say—Arnie Cunningham, Leigh Cabot, and, of course, Christine” (12). Arnie’s relationship with Christine propels the narrative. He becomes infatuated with the car, leading to conflicts that consume his life and those of the other characters.

Stephen King keeps Arnie rather distant. Dennis narrates parts 1 and 2, and an omniscient narrator takes over in Part 3. The omniscient narrator can access Arnie’s torment; nevertheless, Arnie is never in charge of his own story: A mediator is consistently present between him and readers. King’s choice to deny Arnie a turn as narrator emphasizes his lack of free will: He can’t disentangle himself from LeBay and Christine. In addition, Arnie’s remoteness adds mystique and keeps both readers and Arnie uncertain about what’s occurring. The most natural conclusion is that an elusive combination of LeBay’s spirit and Christine possesses Arnie.

Arnie’s role as a character is equally elusive.