Pennywise from 'It' is a recurring character. He's a shape - shifting clown that terrifies the town of Derry. Another one is Roland from 'The Dark Tower' series, a lone gunslinger on a long and arduous journey. And Carrie from 'Carrie' also pops up as a memorable character, with her telekinetic powers causing chaos.
There are several characters that recur. Jack Torrance from 'The Shining' is a well - known one. His struggle with his own demons and the haunted hotel is a classic King story. The Losers' Club from 'It' is also important. They are a group of friends who keep coming back to fight Pennywise over the years. And Annie Wilkes from 'Misery' is a very disturbing recurring character, as she imprisons her favorite author, showing the extreme side of obsessive fandom.
'Pet Sematary' is also extremely terrifying. The concept of a burial ground that brings the dead back to life but not in the way one would hope is just bone - chilling. The idea that the resurrected are not the same and carry with them an unholy and often dangerous presence is what makes this book so scary.
One of the most recurring characters is Randall Flagg. He appears in multiple novels, often as a malevolent force. For example, in 'The Stand', he represents chaos and evil, leading a group against the forces of good. Another is Pennywise the Dancing Clown from 'It'. This terrifying character haunts the town of Derry, preying on the fears of children. There's also Father Callahan, who first shows up in 'Salem's Lot' and then has a role in other works as well.
'Misery' is quite messed up. The idea of an obsessed fan holding an author captive and torturing him is horrifying. Annie Wilkes is a character that you love to hate, and the power dynamic between her and Paul Sheldon is so wrong and disturbing.
For me, 'It' is the most terrifying. The idea of a malevolent clown that can appear in different forms and feed on fear is just spine - chilling. Pennywise lurking in the sewers and coming after kids is nightmare fuel.
Some of the highly ranked Stephen King novels include 'The Shining'. It's a classic with its terrifying story of a family in an isolated hotel. The psychological horror and the build - up of tension are masterfully done. Another top - ranked one is 'It'. The story of a group of kids facing an ancient evil in the form of a clown has captured the imagination of many readers. And 'Misery' is also very popular. The idea of an obsessed fan holding a writer captive is both disturbing and engaging.
Well, Pennywise from 'It' is surely one. As I said before, it's a clown that terrifies children by exploiting their fears. It lurks in the sewers and has a long - standing pattern of murder and mayhem. Another is Annie Wilkes from 'Misery'. She imprisons her favorite author and subjects him to all kinds of physical and mental torture, which is really dark. She's a seemingly ordinary person who can turn into a monster.
In my opinion, 'It' is extremely scary. That clown, Pennywise, is just so menacing and the idea of a shape - shifting evil that lurks in the sewers of a town is really terrifying. 'The Shining' is also very frightening. The haunted hotel and the slow descent into madness of the main character are quite spooky.
One of the darkest is 'Pet Sematary'. It deals with the theme of death and the unnatural resurrection of the dead, which brings a lot of horror and unease. The idea of burying loved ones in a cursed place and what comes back is truly terrifying.
I think 'The Talisman' is an underrated Stephen King novel. It was co - written with Peter Straub, and it has an epic adventure feel to it. The story that spans different worlds is really fascinating. 'Dolores Claiborne' is also underrated. It's a character - driven story where the eponymous Dolores is a complex and strong - willed woman. And 'Rose Madder' is worth mentioning. It has a great blend of mystery and horror that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves.
One of the creepiest is 'It'. The idea of a shape - shifting, child - murdering entity that can take the form of a clown named Pennywise is truly terrifying. It preys on the fears of children, lurking in the sewers of Derry.