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Stephen KingPhoto by James Leonard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Stephen King Quiz

How much do you know about Stephen King?

Dare to enter the spine-tingling realm of the Stephen King Trivia Challenge! Do you love the thrill of terror, the chill of suspense, and the unpredictability of the supernatural? If the answer is a resounding yes, then you're in the right place.

Stephen King, the master of horror and suspense, has created some of the most iconic and spine-tingling stories ever written.  This quiz is your chance to test your knowledge of King's vast universe of haunted hotels, eerie small towns, and unforgettable characters.

From the misty streets of Derry to the ominous corridors of the Overlook Hotel, let's see if you have what it takes to navigate the thrilling world of Stephen King. Buckle up, and remember, in King's world, expect the unexpected!

Start the Stephen King quiz

Questions and answers about Stephen King

  • What was Stephen King's first published novel?

    Stephen King's first published novel is "Carrie." Released in 1974, it tells the story of a socially outcast teenage girl who discovers she possesses telekinetic powers. The novel's success provided the impetus for King's prolific career as a writer of horror and supernatural fiction.

    • Carrie
    • Salem's Lot
    • The Shining
    • Christine

  • What is the name of the clown in King's novel "It"?

    The name of the clown in Stephen King's novel "It" is Pennywise. This terrifying character, also known as "It," primarily appears in the form of a clown to attract its preferred prey, children. Pennywise has become an iconic figure in horror literature and cinema.

    • Pennywise
    • Bozo
    • Pogo
    • Twisty

  • In which novel does King explore a dystopian America through the eyes of a teenage girl with pyrokinetic powers?

    Stephen King explores a dystopian America in his novel "Firestarter." The story follows a young girl named Charlie, who has the ability to start fires with her mind, a result of a government experiment in which her parents participated. The novel delves into themes of governmental overreach and the misuse of power.

    • Firestarter
    • The Running Man
    • The Stand
    • Carrie

  • What pseudonym did Stephen King use to publish "The Running Man"?

    Stephen King used the pseudonym Richard Bachman to publish "The Running Man." The novel, released in 1982, is a dystopian thriller set in a future America where a game show allows contestants to run for their lives as they are hunted by "Hunters." King used this pseudonym for several of his works in the 1970s and 1980s.

    • Richard Bachman
    • John Swithen
    • Peter Straub
    • Joe Hill

  • Name the Stephen King novel that was adapted into a film starring Jack Nicholson.

    The Stephen King novel adapted into a film starring Jack Nicholson is "The Shining." Released in 1980 and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film is a horror classic, featuring Nicholson in the iconic role of Jack Torrance. The story is set in the isolated Overlook Hotel, where Torrance's descent into madness unfolds.

    • The Shining
    • Misery
    • The Dark Half
    • Doctor Sleep

  • In which book does King blend the genres of fantasy and western?

    Stephen King blends the genres of fantasy and western in his novel "The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger." This book, the first in "The Dark Tower" series, introduces readers to Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, on his quest to reach the mysterious Dark Tower. The series weaves together various elements of fantasy, horror, and western motifs.

    • The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
    • The Stand
    • The Eyes of the Dragon
    • Desperation

  • What is the name of the protagonist in "The Shining"?

    The protagonist in "The Shining" is Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel. The novel delves into Jack's psyche as he and his family face supernatural forces within the hotel, leading to a terrifying climax.

    • Jack Torrance
    • Danny Torrance
    • Stuart Ullman
    • Dick Hallorann

  • Which Stephen King book is about a writer held hostage by his number one fan?

    "Misery" is the Stephen King book about a writer held hostage by his number one fan. The novel focuses on novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by Annie Wilkes, a nurse who is obsessed with his work. As Sheldon's recovery progresses, he realizes that Wilkes has no intention of letting him go.

    • Misery
    • The Dark Half
    • Salem's Lot
    • Needful Things

  • What year was Stephen King's "Carrie" published?

    "Carrie," Stephen King's first published novel, was released in 1974. The story revolves around Carrie White, a high school girl with telekinetic powers who seeks revenge against her cruel classmates. The novel's success marked the beginning of King's prolific career as a horror writer.

    • 1974
    • 1971
    • 1976
    • 1978

  • Which novel features a character named Roland Deschain?

    Roland Deschain is the central character in Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series. Introduced in "The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger," Roland is the last living member of a knightly order known as gunslingers and the protagonist of the series, which blends multiple genres including fantasy, western, and horror.

    • The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
    • The Stand
    • It
    • Salem's Lot

  • Name the Stephen King story that was adapted into the movie "Shawshank Redemption."

    "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" is the Stephen King story adapted into the film "The Shawshank Redemption." This novella is part of the collection "Different Seasons" and tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man wrongfully imprisoned for murder, and his time spent in the Shawshank State Penitentiary.

    • Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
    • The Green Mile
    • The Body
    • Dolores Claiborne

  • What Maine town often serves as a setting for King's stories?

    The fictional town of Derry, Maine, often serves as a setting for Stephen King's stories. Derry is a recurring locale in King's literary universe, most notably in "It" and "Insomnia," among others. The town is characterized by its eerie atmosphere and supernatural occurrences.

    • Derry
    • Castle Rock
    • Jerusalem's Lot
    • Chester's Mill

  • Which novel features a supernatural entity that awakens every 27 years?

    Stephen King's novel "It" features a supernatural entity that awakens every 27 years in the town of Derry, Maine. Known primarily as "It," the entity preys on the children of Derry, most famously manifesting as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The novel alternates between two time periods and follows a group of children, and later adults, who confront this terrifying being.

    • It
    • The Tommyknockers
    • Salems Lot
    • Desperation

  • Name the Stephen King novel that deals with a virus that wipes out most of humanity.

    The Stephen King novel that deals with a virus wiping out most of humanity is "The Stand." This post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel tells the story of a pandemic of a weaponized strain of influenza that kills most of the world's population. The survivors are drawn into a battle between good and evil, leading to a final showdown in Las Vegas.

    • The Stand
    • Cell
    • Under the Dome
    • The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger

  • How many children does Stephen King have?

    Stephen King has three children. His family includes two sons, Joe Hill and Owen King, who are both accomplished writers, and a daughter, Naomi King. King's children have often been a source of inspiration in his life and work, with his family playing a significant role in his personal and professional life.

    • Three
    • Two
    • Four
    • One

  • In which year did King receive the National Medal of Arts?

    Stephen King received the National Medal of Arts in 2014. This prestigious award was bestowed by President Barack Obama in recognition of King's significant contributions to literature, particularly in the horror and fantasy genres. The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government.

    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2010
    • 2017

  • Name the novel where the main character is hit by a car, mirroring an actual event in King’s life.

    "From a Buick 8" is a novel by Stephen King where the main character is hit by a car, an event that mirrors King's own life. In 1999, King himself was struck by a van, which significantly affected him physically and emotionally. This real-life event has influenced several of his later works.

    • From a Buick 8
    • Misery
    • Desperation
    • Duma Key

  • What is the name of Stephen King's non-fiction book about the craft of writing?

    Stephen King's non-fiction book about the craft of writing is titled "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft." Part memoir, part master class, this book offers a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. It's an invaluable resource for aspiring writers.

    • On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
    • Danse Macabre
    • Secret Windows
    • Stephen King on Writing

  • In which novel does King write about a killer dog?

    Stephen King writes about a killer dog in the novel "Cujo." The story revolves around a once-friendly Saint Bernard that contracts rabies and becomes a dangerous predator in a small town. "Cujo" is known for its intense, harrowing narrative and its exploration of the themes of fear and the unknown.

    • Cujo
    • Pet Sematary
    • The Dark Half
    • Christine

  • In which book does King explore the life of a high school outcast with telekinetic powers?

    In "Carrie," Stephen King explores the life of a high school outcast with telekinetic powers. The novel, King's first published work, tells the story of Carrie White, a shy and bullied teenager who discovers her ability to move objects with her mind. The novel culminates in a dramatic and tragic prom night, marking it as a seminal work in horror fiction.

    • Carrie
    • Firestarter
    • The Shining
    • Christine

Stephen King QuizJacket design by Neil StuartIllustration on front of jacket by Bob GiustiHand-lettering by Tony DiSpignaPhoto by Andrew Unangst, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

About Stephen King

Stephen King is a renowned American author known for his contributions to the horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy genres. Born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, King has become one of the most prolific writers in these genres. His books have sold more than 350 million copies worldwide and many have been adapted into films, television series, and miniseries.

King's writing career began in the early 1970s with his first novel "Carrie," published in 1974. This book set the tone for his future works, which often explore themes of supernatural elements, psychological horror, and the complexities of human nature. Some of his most famous works include "The Shining" (1977), "It" (1986), and "The Dark Tower" series.

King's style is known for its accessible language, detailed character development, and vivid descriptions. He has a knack for creating immersive and unsettling atmospheres that draw readers into his narratives. Beyond horror, King has also written works that delve into different genres, like "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile," which are more dramatic and introspective.

Throughout his career, King has received numerous awards, including the Bram Stoker Awards, the British Fantasy Society Awards, and the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters by the National Book Foundation. His influence on modern horror and fiction is profound, making him a significant figure in contemporary literature.