TP136

2024

Movies and TV

Wendy Torrance is a central character in the 1980 psychological horror film The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel by Stephen King. She is portrayed by actress Shelley Duvall.

In the film, Wendy is the wife of Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, and mother to their son, Danny. She accompanies them to the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies, where Jack has accepted a position as winter caretaker.

Wendy's role is largely reactive; she is initially supportive of Jack's ambitions but becomes increasingly terrified by his deteriorating mental state and the supernatural events unfolding at the hotel. She serves as Danny's protector as the Overlook's sinister forces influence Jack. She is also a survivor, using resourcefulness and courage to defend herself and her son against her increasingly violent husband.

While the film adaptation is well-known, the Wendy Torrance of the novel is portrayed quite differently by King. Her resilience is emphasized, and her character is not as passively traumatized.