In the first episode of Stranger Things, the gang of young boys centered around Mike Wheeler plays Dungeons & Dragons. In the last episode of Stranger Things, aired over nine years later, the gang also plays Dungeons & Dragons. It’s an emotional farewell for the group, and for any dedicated watcher, too.
The game is a tabletop role-playing game. Every player takes on the role of a certain character. But without a game master who narrates the action, which can take hours to reach its conclusion, D&D wouldn’t be half the fun. This part, the mantle of the storyteller, is carried by Mike throughout the show.
Having been to hell and back together—and not just in the game—the friends are about to say their post–high-school farewells, and so this last campaign is special in many ways. Thanks to Mike’s narration, we catch a glimpse of their futures and the long way they’ve come. “And the storyteller? What about him?” Max blurts out after Mike has covered everyone in the group.
Talking more about himself than his character, Mike goes on: “The storyteller keeps telling stories, stories inspired by his friends.” We see a future version of Mike writing with a typewriter. “One day, he hopes their tales of grand adventure will spread far and wide across the land so all can know of their great bravery.” He reveals one last secret to the team, and just as everyone sits in emotional silence, a moment of sadness, happiness, and closure, a familiar shout echoes from the top of the Wheeler basement’s stairs: “Guys! What’s going on? The lasagna’s getting cold!”
As he climbs the last steps, unsure what future he’s heading into, Mike turns around. His sister and her friends have taken over the table. They’re about the same age Mike and his friends were when we started following their journey—and they’re arguing just as fiercely about who gets to play which role. A new generation takes over, and the cycle continues. But the storyteller will keep telling stories…
What’s your proudest role? Is it mom, stepdad, best friend, or big brother? Writer, musician, or facilitator? It could be host, cook, or organizer. The designation doesn’t matter—what matters is that you keep doing the thing. Over time, our roles literally grow on us and we with them. The why becomes secondary. It’s merely who you are. It’s a beautiful destination to reach, and yet, it is only the beginning.
If you’re a chef, keep cooking. If you’re an engineer, keep building. And if you’re a storyteller, keep telling stories. Through beginnings and endings, challenges and growth, emotions and ideas—let your defining role carry you, and take pride in your best habits. Even when they start with something as seemingly small as narrating a round of Dungeons & Dragons.
