The Body characters

Also known as Gordie

Appears from the start

A twelve-year-old boy in Castle Rock and the story's first-person narrator. Gordie is a gifted storyteller but feels nearly invisible at home, especially since the death of his admired older brother. His friendship with Chris gives him the encouragement his family withholds.

Also known as Chris

Appears from the start

Gordie's closest friend and the most mature member of the group. Chris comes from a family known in town for crime and violence, and adults assume he will follow the same course. Beneath his toughness he is perceptive, loyal and convinced that Gordie's writing deserves to be taken seriously.

Also known as Teddy

Appears from the start

One of Gordie's friends, recognizable by his thick glasses and damaged ear. Teddy is impulsive, theatrical and eager to prove his courage. He fiercely defends the father who injured him, recasting the man's violence through the pride he takes in his military service.

Also known as Vern

Appears from the start

The fourth boy in Gordie's circle. Vern is cautious, easily frightened and often teased, but he is also eager to be included in whatever the others undertake.

First appears in chapter 3

A boy from a nearby town who disappeared while picking berries. When Vern overhears that older teenagers have found Ray's body beside the railroad, the four friends decide that locating him and reporting the discovery could make them local heroes.

Also known as Denny

First appears in chapter 2

Gordie's older brother, who died in a recent accident. Denny was popular, athletic and openly appreciative of Gordie's stories. His absence dominates the Lachance household and deepens Gordie's belief that his grieving parents would have preferred the surviving son to be him.

First appears in chapter 30

The leader of Castle Rock's older teenage gang. Ace is confident, threatening and accustomed to making younger boys yield. He and his friends also learn where Ray Brower's body lies and intend to claim credit for finding it.

Also known as Eyeball

First appears in chapter 30

Chris's older brother and a member of Ace Merrill's gang. Richard has the same family's reputation Chris is trying to escape and stands with Ace against the younger boys.

First appears in chapter 3

Vern's older brother, who finds Ray Brower's body with Charlie Hogan. Because they reached the area in a stolen car, the two are afraid to report what they saw, allowing Vern to overhear the secret.

First appears in chapter 14

The hostile caretaker of the Castle Rock dump. Milo sets his dog on the boys after catching them trespassing, then enrages Teddy by insulting Teddy's father.