Hunted by the military, Eleven sacrifices herself to destroy the Upside Down, though Mike later theorizes she miraculously survived the ordeal.

Mike embraces his role as the loyal leader of the Party, fighting to protect his friends and Eleven in the final battle against Vecna.

Will Byers in Stranger Things 5 is the central target of the Upside Down, whose deep, unresolved connection to Vecna drives the final battle.

Lucas fights to save comatose Max, grappling with guilt while stepping up to lead the Hawkins party against Vecna.

Grieving Eddie, a transformed Dustin fights monsters and Vecna, struggles with profound loss, and ultimately honors his friend at graduation.

Trapped in a coma within Vecna's mind, Max mentally aids her friends, becoming their stealth guide to defeat him.

Jim Hopper is the resilient, adoptive father of Eleven and Hawkins' former chief of police, returning to fight the ultimate Upside Down threat.

Fierce and protective, Joyce Byers returns in season five to defend her family and hometown from Vecna's final supernatural assault.

Jonathan steps up to protect his family and rejoins Nancy to fight the Upside Down while facing his own fears.

Nancy evolves from a cautious student into a fierce, tactical fighter, protecting her loved ones against Vecna and the Upside Down.