Randall Flagg represents the force of evil in the world. He is a real man, as well as a symbolic concept. While he is a shapeshifter who can change into a crow, a weasel, or a wolf, his physical features as a human are also malleable. He can appear sympathetic as well as demonic. His smile unnerves people, and he projects an attitude of gleeful anticipation for the havoc he intends to create. Flagg is known as the Dark Man, the Walkin Dude, and by a variety of other epithets. Physically, he’s most often identified with sharp-toed cowboy boots, jeans, and a denim jacket.

Flagg is a devil, but no one literally identifies him with Satan. Rather, he represents the eternal concept of evil incarnate. Flagg finds himself reborn into new eras and new identities though his core purpose remains the same. He seeks to take over the world and bend everyone to his will. He motivates his followers through fear since they fear disobeying him. At the same time, he attracts people because he promises security and order during times of chaos. His greatest ambition after the plague is to destroy anyone who opposes his absolute rule, which includes all the citizens of the Free Zone.