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

The series finale of ‘Stranger Things’ finally arrived on New Year’s Eve 2025 to conclude the long running battle between Hawkins and the Upside Down. Titled ‘Chapter Eight The Rightside Up’ the feature length episode resolved the fates of the central cast and the threat of Vecna. While many characters survived to see the eighteen month epilogue several significant figures did not make it out of the final confrontation alive. Fans witnessed emotional goodbyes and high stakes sacrifices that fundamentally changed the landscape of the series.

Henry Creel

The primary antagonist finally meets his end during a coordinated assault in the heart of the Abyss. Eleven and Will Byers combine their psychic abilities to restrain and weaken the villain while he attempts to merge the two worlds. Joyce Byers delivers the definitive final blow by decapitating him with an axe during the heat of the battle. His death marks the permanent end of the supernatural corruption that plagued Hawkins for years.

Kali Prasad

Eleven’s powerful sister makes a significant return in the final season only to perish during the climactic raid. She chooses to help Eleven and Jim Hopper by using her illusionary powers to distract incoming military forces. Kali is fatally shot by soldiers under the command of Robert Akers while providing cover for her friends. Her passing serves as a major emotional turning point that fuels Eleven’s final surge of power.

The Mind Flayer

The overarching monstrous entity of the series is confirmed dead following the destruction of its master. Because the creature is intrinsically linked to the life force of Henry Creel it begins to disintegrate the moment he is defeated. The physical form of the Mind Flayer collapses as the connection between the dimensions is severed for good. This event ensures that the influence of the Upside Down can no longer reach the surface world.

Robert Akers

This high ranking military officer serves as one of the final obstacles for the group as they attempt to close the gate. He attempts to execute Jim Hopper and Kali before being confronted by an enraged Eleven. Using her telekinetic abilities Eleven forces him to turn his own weapon against himself in a brutal display of strength. His death signals the end of the immediate military threat against the superpowered children.

Eleven

The central heroine makes a heroic sacrifice by remaining within the collapsing gateway to ensure it stays closed from the other side. While the show initially implies her death a later scene in the epilogue suggests a more hopeful possibility. Mike Wheeler theorizes that Kali used her final strength to project an illusion of Eleven’s death while she actually escaped. Her ultimate fate remains intentionally ambiguous as the group moves forward without her presence.

Mike Wheeler

The heart of the party survives the final battle and appears in the eighteen month epilogue celebrating graduation. He spends much of the finale supporting Eleven and coordinating the efforts of his friends during the raid. Mike is the one who proposes the theory that Eleven might still be alive in a distant location. He remains a central leader among the survivors as they transition into adulthood.

Will Byers

Will plays a crucial role in the finale by using his lingering connection to the Upside Down to track Vecna. He helps Eleven pinpoint the villain’s location and actively participates in the mental battle to weaken him. Following the victory Will is seen living a peaceful life free from the shadow of the Mind Flayer. His survival marks a definitive end to the trauma he endured since the very first episode.

Joyce Byers

The matriarch of the Byers family survives and proves herself to be one of the most effective fighters in the group. She is the individual who physically executes the final strike against Henry Creel to end his reign of terror. In the aftermath of the battle she is shown enjoying a quiet life alongside Jim Hopper in Hawkins. Her character arc concludes with the safety of her children finally being secured.

Jim Hopper

Hopper survives several near death encounters with military soldiers and Upside Down creatures throughout the final episode. He acts as a protective shield for Eleven and Kali during the raid on the laboratory. Despite being in the direct line of fire he manages to escape the collapsing facility before the final detonation. He eventually reunites with Joyce and helps rebuild the community in the months that follow.

Dustin Henderson

Dustin remains a vital strategist for the team and survives the various skirmishes in the finale. He is instrumental in setting up the communications and technology needed for the group to stay synchronized. The epilogue shows him honoring the memory of lost friends while looking toward a brighter future. He continues to be a source of wisdom and levity for the core group of survivors.

Lucas Sinclair

Lucas makes it through the series finale alive and is seen supporting Max during her recovery. He participates in the ground assault and helps fend off the creatures emerging from the local gates. His bravery throughout the final battle earns him a respected place among the defenders of Hawkins. He is shown attending the graduation ceremony with his sister and friends.

Max Mayfield

After her brush with death in previous events Max survives the conclusion of the story. She is shown in a much healthier state during the epilogue after undergoing extensive physical therapy. While the trauma of her past remains she is surrounded by her supportive friends and family. Her survival is a testament to the resilience she displayed throughout the darkest moments of the series.

Steve Harrington

The fan favorite character survives the final season despite many viewers fearing for his safety. He leads the younger group through the tunnels and protects them from various physical threats. In the epilogue he is shown finding a new sense of purpose within the local community. Steve remains a mentor figure and a close friend to the entire Hawkins crew.

Nancy Wheeler

Nancy acts as a lead tactician during the final raid and survives the intensive firefight against the military. She uses her investigative skills to uncover the truth about the government’s continued experiments. Following the collapse of the Upside Down she pursues a career in journalism to document the events. Her arc ends with her finally finding the professional and personal fulfillment she sought.

Jonathan Byers

Jonathan survives the final battle and plays a supportive role in the Byers family’s survival. He assists Nancy with the tactical planning and provides essential backup during the confrontation at the lab. In the eighteen month jump he is shown working toward a future that balances his family responsibilities with his own goals. He remains close with his brother and mother as they move on from the tragedy.

Robin Buckley

Robin remains a key member of the team and makes it through the finale without sustaining serious injury. She provides critical assistance in deciphering the final codes and instructions needed to stop the merge. Her humor and unique perspective help keep the group grounded during the most stressful moments. The series concludes with her still working closely alongside Steve and the other survivors.

Murray Bauman

The eccentric investigator survives the series by providing essential heavy artillery during the final assault. He is responsible for detonating the bomb that disables the military helicopter and saves Kali and Hopper. Murray continues to provide the group with necessary resources and information until the very end. He is seen in the epilogue maintaining his vigilant watch over the town of Hawkins.

Erica Sinclair

Erica proves her worth as a core member of the party yet again and survives the final battle. She leads a small team through the vents to disable the laboratory’s security systems. Her sharp wit and tactical mind are on full display as she navigates the dangerous facility. She graduates alongside the older kids and looks forward to her own bright future.

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