Needful Things

Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide contain descriptions of graphic violence, homicide, suicide, attempted suicide, domestic abuse, child loss, sexual abuse of a child, addiction, racism and explicit racist slurs, and animal death.

A man who is sitting on the bandstand invites the reader to sit with him. He enjoys the small town of Castle Rock, Maine, in October because the weather is pleasant and the tourists are gone. He points out fliers advertising an upcoming casino night and fliers that have been posted to protest this event. There is a rivalry between the Catholics and the Baptists; the Catholics are the ones who planned Casino Night. Father Brigham and Reverend Willie have both made Casino Night a focus of their sermons. The Catholic side includes Nan Roberts, the owner of a luncheonette, and Al Gendron. 

The narrative provides an overview of the town’s citizens. Sheriff John LaPointe still pines for his ex-girlfriend, Sally Ratcliffe, a teacher who is now dating Lester Pratt, the high school PE coach. Dan Keeton is the Head Selectman, and Eddie Warburton is a janitor who has a racially motivated feud with Sonny Jackett. The speaker reflects that all of these quirks reflect the complex tapestry of small-town life, which features petty rivalries and people who know too much about each other’s business.