Alan Pangborn is the sheriff of the town of Castle Rock, Maine. Castle Rock is also known for infamous happenings that were told about in The Dead Zone, Cujo, The Dark Half, and Needful Things. The novellas The Sun Dog and The Body are also located in Castle Rock.Pangborn first appears in The Dark Half. Pangborn is elected sheriff following the death of the previous sheriff, George Bannerman, at the hands of the rabid dog, Cujo. Pangborn is one of the long-time residents of Castle Rock and reappears in the novel Needful Things, as well as a novella, The Sun Dog by Stephen King. He is assisted by deputy Norris Ridgwick, John LaPointe, and Andy Clutterbuck.Following the traumatic events of The Dark Half, Pangborn suffers constant nightmares. He informs the reader of Thad Beaumont's eventual divorce, alcoholism and suicide. Thad Beaumont was the protagonist of The Dark Half. Pangborn also suffers the nightmare of losing his wife and son to a car crash. He is a skilled magician who uses his magic tricks in a climatic battle against Leland Gaunt, the proprietor of the shop Needful Things. Pangborn is also involved in a romantic relationship with Patricia (Polly) Chalmers, another long-time resident of Castle Rock.