Carrie

During the prom massacre, Carrie seals the gym, activates the sprinkler system, and inadvertently causes electrocutions and a massive fire that destroys the school and kills 440 people, including many students. Later, in her continued rampage, Carrie targets Chris Hargensen and Billy Nolan, causing their car to swerve, roll over, and explode, killing them. Carrie's mother, Margaret, stabs Carrie with a kitchen knife, and Carrie retaliates by telekinetically stopping Margaret's heart, leading to both their deaths.

Carrie experiences her first menstrual period in the communal shower after gym class, causing her intense panic due to her mother's failure to educate her. Her classmates respond by mocking her and throwing tampons and sanitary napkins at her. Margaret White recounts to Carrie that Carrie's conception occurred when her husband was drunk, an act Margaret admitted she enjoyed, implying a troubled and potentially non-consensual or regretted sexual history for Margaret. One review notes 'instances of underaged characters' exploring their sexualities either alone or with each other' and a 'disturbing scene towards the end describing very physically abusive sex' between Chris and Billy. Further, a review mentions scenes that 'made me slightly uncomfortable, seeing that they were written by a man, but from the female perspective. They seemed borderline pedophilic.'

A review of the novel includes 'multiple racial slurs' and 'use of a homophobic slur' as trigger warnings for readers. Additionally, the book contains 'colorful language' reflecting the harsh environment and bullying among the teenage characters. While specific quotes are not detailed, the explicit mention of these slurs indicates frequent and impactful use of offensive language.

Carrie's telekinetic powers are initially manifested unconsciously when she causes a taunting child to fall from his bicycle. Her powers escalate significantly, culminating in the prom massacre where she actively uses telekinesis to ignite fires, cause electrocutions, and destroy the school building. She also uses her powers to stop her mother's heart after being stabbed, demonstrating the dark and destructive nature of her abilities.

The book is noted for instilling a 'dread of womanhood' and features the psychological horror of Carrie's constant ostracism, bullying, and abuse by both her peers and her mother. The prom massacre scene is extremely intense, depicting a widespread event of electrocution, fire, and death that causes mass casualties and trauma. Carrie's subsequent mental breakdown and telekinetic rampage through the town, causing further destruction and death, contribute significantly to the terrifying and graphic content.

Carrie is consistently ridiculed for her appearance, clothes, and her mother's extreme religious beliefs by her high school peers, primarily led by Chris Hargensen. Chris Hargensen demonstrates defiance by refusing detention for bullying Carrie, leading to her suspension from prom, and subsequently orchestrating the pig's blood prank as an act of revenge. Carrie's telekinetic rampage at the prom and throughout the town is the ultimate act of rebellion, expressing intense defiance and vengeance against those who abused her.

Margaret White is portrayed as a religious zealot who uses her faith to justify severe physical and psychological abuse of Carrie, believing her daughter to be steeped in sin. For instance, Margaret locks Carrie in a closet as punishment for her first menstrual period, believing it to be a sign of sin. The novel's portrayal of Margaret's 'abusive zealous depictions of religion' and its 'warning against the pitfalls of organized religion' are central to the story's conflict and Carrie's development.