54 pages • 1 hour read
Stephen KingThe Running Man
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Running Man by Stephen King (written under the pen name Richard Bachman) follows Ben Richards in a dystopian future where he enters a deadly reality TV show to provide for his wife and sick daughter, risking his life as he is hunted by both professional and civilian pursuers while exposing societal corruption and media manipulation. The book includes themes of violence and child death.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Stephen King's The Running Man offers a gripping, dystopian narrative marked by relentless suspense and a fast-paced plot. Critics praise its imaginative storyline and timely commentary on societal issues. However, some find character development lacking and the writing style rough. Overall, it remains a compelling thriller that resonates with many readers.
Who Should Read The Running Man?
A reader who would enjoy The Running Man by Stephen King is likely a fan of dystopian thrillers, high-stakes survival stories, and fast-paced narratives. Comparable to readers of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and Richard Bachman's Thinner, they appreciate tension, societal critique, and richly built, oppressive worlds.