In The Exorcist, the possessed girl investigated by Father Karras is named Regan.
Regan MacNeil is the young daughter of actress Chris MacNeil. After a series of frightening changes in her behavior, Chris seeks medical explanations before religious authorities become involved. Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest and psychiatrist, is asked to assess the case.
The 1973 film was directed by William Friedkin and adapted from William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel. Linda Blair played Regan, while Ellen Burstyn played Chris and Jason Miller played Karras. Max von Sydow portrayed Father Merrin, the experienced priest who joins the exorcism. The film’s story combines family drama, Catholic ritual, and supernatural horror, which is why names such as Chris, Karras, Merrin, and Regan are often mixed up.