Every Character Who Dies (and Lives) In The ‘Stranger Things’ Finale

The final episode of ‘Stranger Things’ aired on New Year’s Eve 2025, bringing the series’ long conflict between Hawkins and the Upside Down to an end. The feature-length episode, titled ‘Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up,’ revealed what happened to the main characters and finally defeated Vecna. Though most of the beloved characters lived on, seen in a scene set eighteen months later, some key figures tragically died during the climactic battle. The episode was filled with heartbreaking farewells and selfless sacrifices that dramatically altered the show’s direction.

Henry Creel

The main villain is finally defeated in a combined attack deep within the Abyss. Eleven and Will Byers use their combined powers to hold him back and weaken him as he tries to connect their world with another. In the middle of the fight, Joyce Byers delivers the final, decisive blow, killing him with an axe. His death completely ends the strange, supernatural problems that have haunted Hawkins for years.

Kali Prasad

In the final season, Eleven’s sister, Kali, returns and bravely sacrifices herself during a crucial battle. She uses her ability to create illusions to divert the military, allowing Eleven and Jim Hopper to escape. Sadly, Kali is killed by soldiers working for Robert Akers while protecting her friends. Her death deeply affects Eleven, giving her the strength she needs for one last, powerful effort.

The Mind Flayer

With the defeat of its leader, the main monster of the series is now confirmed to be dead. Since the creature’s life force was tied to Henry Creel, it began to fall apart as soon as he was defeated. Its physical form crumbled as the connection between our world and the Upside Down was permanently broken, ensuring the Upside Down can no longer affect our world.

Robert Akers

This high-ranking officer is one of the last people standing in the way of the group’s attempt to close the gate. He tries to kill Jim Hopper and Kali, but Eleven stops him, furious at his actions. Using her powers, she makes him turn his own gun on himself in a violent showdown. His death removes the immediate military danger to the children with superpowers.

Eleven

The main character makes a brave sacrifice, staying behind as a portal collapses to prevent anything from coming through. Although it first seems like she dies, a later scene hints she might have survived. Mike believes she used her powers to make it look like she died, allowing her to escape. However, her true fate is left uncertain as the story continues without her.

Mike Wheeler

Throughout the final showdown and the graduation celebration eighteen months later, Mike remains a key member of the group. He’s a strong supporter of Eleven and takes charge in helping his friends during the dangerous mission. Importantly, he’s the one who first suggests Eleven might still be out there. As they grow up, he continues to be a natural leader for the surviving friends.

Will Byers

In the final battle, Will’s past connection to the Upside Down proves vital in finding Vecna. He guides Eleven to the villain’s location and joins the fight to defeat him. After their victory, Will is shown enjoying a normal life, finally free from the Mind Flayer’s influence. This signifies a true resolution to the trauma he’s experienced since the beginning of the story.

Joyce Byers

Joyce Byers not only survives the intense conflicts but becomes a surprisingly strong fighter within the group. She’s the one who ultimately defeats Henry Creel, finally stopping his attacks. Afterward, she finds peace and happiness living a simple life with Jim Hopper in Hawkins, knowing her children are safe.

Jim Hopper

Throughout the last episode, Hopper repeatedly faces life-threatening situations involving soldiers and monsters from the Upside Down. He bravely protects Eleven and Kali during the dangerous raid on the lab, and manages to escape just before the building explodes. Later, he’s happily reunited with Joyce and works to help the town recover in the following months.

Dustin Henderson

Dustin continues to be a key player for the team, successfully navigating the final challenges. He’s essential in establishing and maintaining their communication and technology, keeping everyone connected. In the aftermath, he remembers those they’ve lost while remaining hopeful about the future, and continues to offer guidance and a positive spirit to the remaining survivors.

Lucas Sinclair

Lucas survives the final battle and is there for Max as she recovers. He bravely fights alongside the others to protect Hawkins from the monsters coming through the gates, earning the respect of his fellow defenders. The series ends with Lucas celebrating graduation with his sister and friends.

Max Mayfield

Max makes it through to the end of the story, having narrowly escaped death before. The epilogue shows she’s recovered well thanks to a lot of physical therapy. Although she still carries the emotional scars of her past experiences, she’s surrounded by the love and support of her friends and family. Her ability to survive and heal proves just how strong she was, even during the most difficult times.

Steve Harrington

Despite viewers worrying he wouldn’t make it to the end, the beloved character survives the final season. He guides the younger characters through dangerous tunnels, keeping them safe from harm. The ending shows him finding a renewed sense of belonging in his town, continuing to be a supportive mentor and friend to everyone in the Hawkins group.

Nancy Wheeler

As a critic, I was really invested in Nancy’s journey. She steps up as a key strategist during the climactic raid, and impressively makes it through a brutal fight. But surviving wasn’t enough for her; she digs deep, using her knack for investigation to expose the government’s shady experiments. Once the Upside Down is finally dealt with, she channels everything into journalism, determined to document what happened. Ultimately, it’s incredibly satisfying to see her find both professional success and personal happiness – a truly well-earned ending for a character who’s been through so much.

Jonathan Byers

Jonathan makes it through the last fight and helps the Byers family recover. He works with Nancy to plan their strategy and offers crucial support during the showdown at the lab. Later, we see him focusing on building a future where he can balance his family life with his personal ambitions, staying close to his brother and mother as they heal from their loss.

Robin Buckley

Robin continues to be a vital part of the team, making it to the end without getting badly hurt. She’s instrumental in cracking the final codes and figuring out how to prevent the merge. Her wit and fresh outlook help everyone stay calm when things get really tense. The series ends with her still working with Steve and the remaining survivors.

Murray Bauman

Murray, the quirky investigator, plays a crucial role in the final battle, providing the firepower needed to succeed. He’s the one who sets off the bomb that takes down the military helicopter, rescuing Kali and Hopper. Throughout the rest of the conflict, he consistently supplies the group with vital resources and information. The final scene shows him still keeping watch over Hawkins, ensuring its continued safety.

Erica Sinclair

Erica once again proves she’s a vital part of the team, successfully making it through the final fight. She bravely led a small group through the air vents to shut down the lab’s security, using her intelligence and quick thinking to overcome the dangers within. She then celebrated graduating with the older students and is excited about what the future holds.

Please share your own theories regarding the ambiguous final fate of Eleven in the comments.

2026-01-02 17:47