Eldred Jonas
Antagonist in Stephen King's The Stand
Eldred Jonas is a significant character in Stephen King's epic post-apocalyptic novel "The Stand" (1978). A hardened gunslinger and mercenary, Jonas serves as one of Randall Flagg's trusted operatives in the dark forces opposing the free zone survivors. He is portrayed as a man of few words but deadly efficiency, with a reputation for being an expert gunman and strategic thinker. Jonas's character embodies the ruthless pragmatism of Flagg's faction, contrasting sharply with the moral deliberation of the novel's protagonists. Despite his villainy, King develops Jonas with sufficient complexity to make him a memorable antagonist rather than a one-dimensional evil character. His presence in the narrative serves to heighten tension and showcase the lengths to which Flagg's followers will go to maintain power. Jonas appears in various adaptations of "The Stand," including television miniseries, where his character has been portrayed by different actors, each bringing their own interpretation to the cold killer.
Fictional Character
American
The Stand
Thinking about the name
Eldred
English origin
“An Old English name combining 'eld' (age, wisdom) and 'red' (counsel, advice), literally suggesting 'ancient counsel' or 'wise elder.' Eldred has a venerable, authoritative feel rooted in Anglo-Saxon tradition, evoking figures of wisdom and leadership in early English history.”