As the survivors wander, they are drawn by dreams toward one of two figures who represent the cosmic struggle between good and evil:

The narrative follows a sprawling ensemble, each making a personal "stand":

: A highly contagious and nearly 100% fatal strain of influenza.

[Scheduled] The Stand by Stephen King, Chapters 45-47 : r/bookclub

: Also known as "The Dark Man" or "The Walkin' Dude," he is a demonic entity gathering forces in Las Vegas. He rules through fear, attracting those with darker impulses or a desire for rigid order. Key Characters

The story begins with a catastrophic lab accident at a government facility.

: A handful of people prove immune, forced to navigate a silent, body-strewn landscape. A House Divided

The Stand