Title: The Monkey
Author: Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner; Media Tie-In edition (February 25, 2025)
Genre: Horror, Supernatural Fiction
Publication Date: First published in 1980; included in Skeleton Crew (1985)
Pages: Varies (short story)
ISBN-10: 1668207745 (Skeleton Crew)
ISBN-13: 978-1668207741 (Skeleton Crew)
Summary of The Monkey by Stephen King
The Monkey is a horror short story by Stephen King about a sinister, cymbal-clapping toy monkey that causes death each time it makes a sound.
The protagonist, Hal Shelburn, discovers the monkey in his childhood home, recalling the mysterious deaths that surrounded his family when he was younger.
As an adult, Hal believes the terror is behind him but when the monkey resurfaces in his life, new tragedies occur. Determined to rid himself of its curse, Hal attempts to destroy the toy, but it becomes a very difficult process.
Main Plot & Characters
- Hal Shelburn: The protagonist who finds the cursed toy monkey and realizes its deadly pattern.
- The Monkey: A seemingly innocent toy that brings death to those around it whenever it claps its cymbals.
Hal’s journey to find the truth about the monkey leads him into a desperate struggle to break its curse before more lives are lost.
Writing Style
King’s storytelling in The Monkey is done in a way that you remain tense and stay within that constant state of fear. As a reader, you really feel the weight of the horror and how the author uses very detailed descriptions and character-driven fear.
Impact of The Monkey by Stephen King
As one of the standout stories in Skeleton Crew, The Monkey has been praised for its premise and lingering sense of dread it leaves behind after you are done with the story. It’s one of those stories that showcases King’s ability to turn an ordinary object into a source of terror.
The story was adapted into a 2025 film directed by Osgood Perkins. The film featured Theo James in a dual role as the twin brothers that are haunted by the cursed toy.
Have you read The Monkey or watched the adaptation? What did you think of its premise? Let us know in the comments!
