Chapter 1
* Paul Sheldon, a successful romance novelist, is severely injured in a car accident and rescued by Annie Wilkes, a former nurse and obsessive fan.
* Annie brings Paul to her remote home in Silver Creek, Colorado, where she cares for him and tends to his injuries.
* She reveals her worship of Paul's "Misery" series and demands that he write a new book for her, entitled "Misery Returns."
Chapter 2
* Paul becomes uneasy as Annie becomes increasingly possessive and controlling.
* She restricts his movements, monitors his conversations, and forces him to work on the book despite his physical and mental anguish.
* Paul suspects that Annie's behavior is not motivated by kindness but by an unhealthy obsession.
Chapter 3
* Paul discovers that Annie has a troubled past and that she is suffering from undiagnosed mental illness.
* She exhibits symptoms of extreme paranoia, aggression, and a twisted sense of justice.
* Paul realizes that she is not only a caregiver but also a potential threat.
Chapter 4
* Paul attempts to escape but is thwarted by Annie's cunning and brutality.
* She breaks his ankles with a sledgehammer, leaving him crippled and dependent on her.
* Paul becomes increasingly desperate and contemplates suicide as his situation worsens.
Chapter 5
* Paul discovers a cache of suppressed memories that suggest he was once involved in a traumatic event with Annie.
* He realizes that she was the nurse who attended to him after a previous accident, and that her actions were motivated by a desire for revenge.
* Paul's past actions inadvertently led to the death of Annie's child, and she believes that he deserves punishment.
Chapter 6
* Paul resolves to stand up to Annie and challenge her delusions.
* He seizes an opportunity to acquire a gun and confronts Annie in an explosive showdown.
* Annie, driven by her madness, engages in a desperate fight for survival.
Chapter 7
* The confrontation reaches its climax as Paul manages to subdue Annie and call for help.
* She is arrested and taken into police custody, where she faces psychiatric evaluation and criminal charges.
* Paul, traumatized but alive, begins the long process of recovery and healing.
Real Example
Annie Wilkes's obsessive fandom and controlling behavior can be seen in real-life cases of fan stalking and harassment. One notable example is that of Lori Maddox, who stalked and eventually murdered Rebecca Schaeffer, a popular television actress.
Maddox, like Annie, developed an unhealthy obsession with Schaeffer and engaged in a series of increasingly intrusive behaviors. She sent letters, made phone calls, and even attempted to meet Schaeffer in person. When Schaeffer obtained a restraining order against Maddox, the situation escalated, and Maddox shot Schaeffer to death on the doorstep of her home.
This case illustrates the dangerous consequences that can arise when unhealthy obsessions turn violent, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues in our society.
