By Jordan Grim • November 27, 2025 • 01:49 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 27, 2025 • 01:49 AM (PDT)
As the final chapter of Stranger Things arrives this November, fans are looking closely at the fates of their favorite stranger things characters. With part one streaming on November 26 and the remaining episodes dropping through the holidays, the show’s endgame feels bigger and darker than ever. The Upside Down is spilling into Hawkins again, Vecna is preparing his strongest strike yet, and the question everyone keeps asking is simple but scary — who will live and who will fall?
The Upside Down remains a threat that cannot fully disappear. The disaster from the end of season four still traps the town in fear. The series could close with one or more characters choosing to stay behind to protect the real world forever. That decision may become the emotional core of the ending.
Will Byers has always been the heart of the show’s mystery. His deep link to Vecna puts him in serious danger again. His journey through identity and self-acceptance in season four made him one of the most emotionally layered stranger things characters. A sacrifice from Will would bring the story full circle, echoing season one but on his own terms. Jonathan may finally learn to let him go, and Joyce could face one more painful moment of growth.
Will might not face the end alone. Eleven knows what it means to be trapped between worlds, and she could stay with Will to restore the broken realm. Hopper, after already cheating death once, may finally get the peaceful ending he has earned with Joyce after so many battles.
Mike has never stepped into the Upside Down, which lowers his chances of a tragic exit. His role shows how growing up sometimes means losing daily contact with the people you love. Nancy, on the other hand, stands right at the center of danger. Her courage makes her a strong candidate to fire the final shot at Vecna. And yes, Karen Wheeler is expected to appear as well.
This is where the big question hits hard — does Steve die in Stranger Things or even does Steve die in season 5. Steve has survived everything from Demobats to Soviet torture, but that streak may finally run out. His growth into a true hero could lead to a heartbreaking final moment.
Dustin, on the other hand, remains safe. The Duffers know he is the soul of comic relief and heart. Expect him to carry the spirit of the Hellfire Club into the future.
Max already died once in season four and came back in a fragile state. Her recovery is a huge mystery, but her return could shape one of the biggest emotional moments of the season. Lucas has stood by her through everything, and together they may face Vecna again with a mix of hope and danger.
Erica will shine in a major heroic moment. Robin faces real risk because newer teens tend to fall early in the show’s history. Murray could die in a sacrifice to protect Nancy and Jonathan. And Vecna is heading toward a final defeat — the one ending fans expect.
