Danny Torrance's Growth

Danny matures from a frightened child into a brave survivor who uses his shining to defeat the hotel.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Gifted Child

The Shining The Early Signs Danny has always had psychic abilities. He can read thoughts and see the future. His parents call it his "shining." The Friend Tony Danny's guide is Tony, who appears to him in visions. Tony shows him things that will happen. The Burden Danny's gift is a burden. He often knows things he shouldn't. He is sensitive to the emotions of others.

The First Vision of REDRUM

The Warning The Vision Tony shows Danny a vision of the Overlook in a blizzard, with a skull and crossbones. He sees the word REDRUM. The Fear Danny is terrified. He knows the hotel is dangerous. He tries to warn his parents, but they do not understand. The Preparation Danny decides to be careful. He will watch for signs of danger. He is already more aware than his parents.

The Encounter in Room 217

The Trauma The Curiosity Despite warnings, Danny enters Room 217. He finds a dead woman in the bathtub who attacks him. The Aftermath Danny is choked and left with bruises. He tells his parents, but Jack does not believe him. The experience traumatizes him. The Resilience Despite the trauma, Danny does not break. He learns that the hotel's ghosts are real and dangerous. He becomes more cautious.

The Hedge Animal Chase

The Escape The Attack Danny is chased by the hedge animals. He runs for his life and is scratched by a lion. The Fear Danny is terrified but manages to escape. He realizes the hotel's evil can manifest outside. The Determination Danny becomes determined to survive. He knows he must rely on himself and his shining.

Calling for Help

The Psychic Cry The Desperate Call Danny uses his shining to call Dick Hallorann for help. He sends a powerful telepathic message. The Interference The hotel tries to block him, but Danny persists. He knows Hallorann is his only hope. The Success Hallorann receives the call and sets out for Colorado. Danny's action saves his family.

Confronting the Possessed Father

The Final Test The Confrontation Danny faces Jack, who is possessed by the hotel. He tells the hotel that it lies and that it will discard Jack. The Moment of Clarity Danny's words reach the real Jack. Jack tells Danny he loves him and to run. Then Jack destroys himself. The Triumph Danny has saved himself by using his understanding of human nature. He has grown beyond his years.

The Healing

The New Life The Recovery Danny still has nightmares but they are less frequent. He spends time with Hallorann, who helps him heal. The Acceptance Danny accepts his gift. He learns to use it for good. He is no longer afraid. The Future Danny looks forward to growing up. He has survived the worst. He is ready for a normal life.

before the Overlook

late September

late November

late November

December 2

December 2, on the third floor

summer, at the Red Arrow Lodge