In Stephen King’s novel The Shining, Danny Torrance’s imaginary friend is named Tony.
Tony appears to Danny as a separate figure, but the novel gradually connects him with Danny’s own identity and developing psychic abilities. Danny often communicates with Tony through thoughts and visions, making the friend an important way for the story to reveal information about the Overlook Hotel and the dangers awaiting the Torrance family.
A common mix-up is to identify Tony simply as another child at the hotel. Tony is not a normal companion or a resident of the Overlook; he is part of Danny’s supernatural experience. Dick Hallorann, the hotel’s cook, is a separate character who recognizes Danny’s ability and calls it “the shining.” Wendy Torrance is Danny’s mother, while Jack Torrance is his father.
The name Tony also becomes more significant when Danny grows older. In Doctor Sleep, King’s sequel, Danny is known as Dan Torrance and continues to deal with the psychological and supernatural consequences of his childhood at the Overlook.