Kelly Fairchild (played by Daphne Zuniga) appears in The Initiation.
The protagonist and college student who investigates her recurring nightmares about a man being burned alive. She participates in a sorority initiation, survives multiple encounters with the killer, and ultimately confronts her disturbed twin sister Terry. Peter (played by James Read) appears in The Initiation.
Kelly's psychology seminar graduate assistant who investigates her nightmares. He uncovers connections to Jason Randall and Frances, travels to the department store, and is fatally stabbed by the killer, who misidentifies him as Kelly. Marcia (played by Marilyn Kagan) appears in The Initiation.
One of the main pledges in Kelly's sorority. She participates in the initiation ritual, survives an encounter with the killer alongside Kelly, and is ultimately dragged into an elevator shaft by the murderer. Jason Randall (played by Robert Dowdell) appears in The Initiation.
Kelly's biological father and a former store manager who was burned in an altercation with Dwight. He escapes from a psychiatric hospital, pursues Kelly to the roof, and is knocked off by a pipe during their confrontation. Chad (played by Christopher Bradley) appears in The Initiation.
Alison (played by Hunter Tylo) appears in The Initiation.
One of Kelly's roommates and a sorority pledge. She discovers the bodies of the night watchman and Chad, hides at a security desk, and is ultimately stabbed to death by the killer. Megan (played by Frances Peterson) appears in The Initiation.
The head sorority sister who facilitates the initiation by allowing pledges to sneak into the store. She is killed by the murderer using a bow and arrow while attempting to scare the pledges. Beth (played by Paula Knowles) appears in The Initiation.
A sorority pledge who participates in the preparation for the initiation but quits the ritual shortly before the group enters the department store.
The Initiation (1984) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Kelly Fairchild
(played by Daphne Zuniga) — supporting
The protagonist and college student who investigates her recurring nightmares about a man being burned alive. She participates in a sorority initiation, survives multiple encounters with the killer, a...
Peter
(played by James Read) — supporting
Kelly's psychology seminar graduate assistant who investigates her nightmares. He uncovers connections to Jason Randall and Frances, travels to the department store, and is fatally stabbed by the kill...
Marcia
(played by Marilyn Kagan) — supporting
One of the main pledges in Kelly's sorority. She participates in the initiation ritual, survives an encounter with the killer alongside Kelly, and is ultimately dragged into an elevator shaft by the m...
Jason Randall
(played by Robert Dowdell) — supporting
Kelly's biological father and a former store manager who was burned in an altercation with Dwight. He escapes from a psychiatric hospital, pursues Kelly to the roof, and is knocked off by a pipe durin...
Chad
(played by Christopher Bradley) — minor
Alison
(played by Hunter Tylo) — supporting
One of Kelly's roommates and a sorority pledge. She discovers the bodies of the night watchman and Chad, hides at a security desk, and is ultimately stabbed to death by the killer.
Megan
(played by Frances Peterson) — supporting
The head sorority sister who facilitates the initiation by allowing pledges to sneak into the store. She is killed by the murderer using a bow and arrow while attempting to scare the pledges.
Beth
(played by Paula Knowles) — supporting
A sorority pledge who participates in the preparation for the initiation but quits the ritual shortly before the group enters the department store.
Key Relationships
Megan → Chad
(Alliance Accomplice)
Alison → Chad
(Alliance Co-Victim)
Peter → Jason Randall
(Conflict Investigator)
Kelly Fairchild → Chad
(Unknown Intruder)
Kelly Fairchild → Jason Randall
(Conflict Suspected Killer)
Kelly Fairchild → Megan
(Conflict Head Sister)
Kelly Fairchild → Beth
(Alliance Roommate)
Kelly Fairchild → Alison
(Alliance Roommate)
Kelly Fairchild → Marcia
(Alliance Sorority Pledge)
Kelly Fairchild → Peter
(Professional Graduate Assistant)
Story Analysis
A sorority initiation turns deadly as hidden family secrets and a serial killer converge.
Plot Progression
The Nightmare Begins
Blood on the Floor
Shadows in the Store
The Killer's Pursuit
Twin's Deception
Directed by Larry Stewart
The Initiation (1984) · 5.5/10 · horror, mystery, thriller
