"Under the Dome," a novel by Stephen King, is set in the fictional town of Chester's Mill, which is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the outside world by an enormous transparent dome. This isolation leads to chaos as the citizens, trapped together, face not only the physical limitations of their new reality but also the moral dilemmas that arise in a high-pressure situation. The dome's arrival disrupts the town's daily life, and the community begins to fracture as resources dwindle and tensions escalate.
The story primarily follows the struggles between two dominant figures: Dale "Barbie" Barbara, a former army veteran, and Big Jim Rennie, a corrupt and power-hungry politician. As the town descends into disorder, Barbie strives to unite the townspeople and restore order, while Rennie uses manipulation and fear to control the population for his own gain. Their conflict intensifies amid the growing desperation of the townsfolk, highlighting themes of power, survival, and human nature.