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Modern-day television shows are notoriously famous for killing off central characters. Character deaths are designed to help strengthen an ongoing story. Unfortunately, the deaths of beloved characters occasionally leave a sour taste in the mouth of dedicated viewers. On the other hand, character deaths often change the overall trajectory of a show’s plot. Stranger Things’ main character deaths are not notably known, as the series has yet to kill its main characters. However, with the anticipation of Season 4 on the horizon, let’s take a look at five characters that could die in Stranger Things 4.
5) Mike Wheeler
The kids’ core group is undoubtedly the heart of Stranger Things as a whole. Season 1 saw Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard) as a fearless member of the group when trying to find Will Byers. Mike also proved to be extremely caring and trustworthy when it came to hiding Eleven from Dr. Brenner. As such, the relationship between Mike and Eleven has blossomed throughout the seasons. Due to his close relationship with Eleven, Mike has found himself in danger at every corner. With Stranger Things’ main character deaths not happening too frequently, Mike has the possibility of suffering a horrible fate if showrunners decide that one of the main characters does need to die.
While the common belief is that the kids are all safe, that could soon change. Mike’s unfortunate death could happen as a ploy to provoke Eleven. Or, Mike could even die trying to protect her. The potential death of Mike could cause a stir with many fans. However, it would allow Eleven to shine as a character determined for revenge. As such, Mike is listed in possible characters that could die in Stranger Things 4.
4) Nancy Wheeler
Right above Mike is his sister, Nancy Wheeler. Season 1 saw Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) introduced as an average teenage girl obsessed with boys and popularity. The sudden (and shocking) death of Barbara Holland creates a change of priority in Nancy. Season by season, she begins to show her true colors as an intelligent thinker with plenty of fight in her. A resilient part of the group, many fans believe Nancy will meet her demise in the show’s upcoming season. Just like Mike, many have speculated that Nancy will die by trying to protect Mike and the other kids.
Nancy’s death would undoubtedly impact several key characters. Mike, her younger brother, and Karen, her mother, would be forced to face a life without Nancy. Jonathan Byers, along with the entire Byers family, would also be affected by such a tragic loss. As such, her death could result in a mighty uproar from these characters and shift a change in their arc.
3) Jonathan Byers
Despite his shy and timid nature, Jonathan has become a fan favorite of many viewers. Season 1 first presents Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) as an outcast in school, with many believing him to be weird and unapproachable. Jonathan faces several bullies, including Steve Harrington, who was Nancy’s boyfriend at the time. However, Jonathan establishes himself as a leader and hero when the entire town of Hawkins begins searching for his brother. As a character that will do anything to protect his family, Jonathan has proved him useful in the group against The Upside Down. Nevertheless, many believe Jonathan’s story is coming to an end. With this in mind, he could be the key character to die in Stranger Things 4.
Jonathan’s death would certainly garner plenty of drama and sadness. As a central character that has touched and teamed up with many other characters in the show, his death would steer a new direction for Season 4. While his contribution to helping battle the newly-emerged Demogorgon would leave a noticeable piece missing, Joyce and Will Byers would certainly step up to uphold the Byers name and fill his shoes.
2) Eleven
Since the very beginning of the Netflix hit, Eleven has established her position as a recognized fan favorite amongst Stranger Things’ viewers. Eleven is first introduced as a quiet and introverted child with a troubled history. As Stranger Things dives deeper into Eleven’s mysterious past, we learn her origin of being kidnapped and utilized as a test subject for the government. Her relatable trauma is one of the reasons why she has become such a loveable figure. As a result, Eleven joins Mike Wheeler and his friends in an effort to rescue Will Byers from The Upside Down. Season after season, Eleven’s contributions prove to be the most effective, as she consistently tries to close The Upside Down and keep everyone safe for good.
From saving Mike’s life on a cliff to being the driving force against Dr. Brenner and his team, Eleven is the heart of the show. Even more reason as to why killing off Eleven would cause an irreversible shake within the series. As seen in the ending finale of Season 3, Eleven has lost her favored powers. Without her powers, she is left susceptible to future danger. While the series heavily focuses on all of the kids and their development in growing up, killing off Eleven could cause a wave of publicity for the show. As far as Stranger Things’ character deaths go, Eleven faces the risk of an ending fate.
1) Steve Harrington
The controversy surrounding Steve Harrington’s possible fate has long been speculated by fans. When viewers initially meet Steve, he appears to be an arrogant, self-absorbed typical jock. Steve also bullies Jonathan Byers while desperately trying to impress his girlfriend, Nancy Wheeler. As the seasons go on, Steve implements signs of a true warrior and hero as he protects both Jonathan and Nancy, along with the kids’ group. As such, Steve’s death would more than likely include self-sacrifice on his part for his friends and the greater good of Hawkins. Because of his fearless approach and bold tactics, Steve has been voted a favorite by many viewers.
Due to his consistent heroic antics, a large portion of viewers believe Steve will kick the bucket in Season 4. The developmental journey of his character arc has the chance to face a reasonable ending with his death as closure. While the death of Steve would be enough to devastate fans, it would leave the show on an incredible cliffhanger, with many wanting to see what the rest of the characters will do as retaliation. Out of all of the possible Stranger Things’ character deaths, Steve Harrington’s yields the capability to change the show indefinitely.