In Stephen King’s The Shining novel, Danny Torrance’s imaginary friend who “shows him things” is named Tony.
Tony is the voice and apparent companion associated with Danny’s psychic gift, known as “the shining.” Through Tony, Danny experiences visions of places, dangers, and possible future events, including warnings connected to the Overlook Hotel. The ability is not ordinary make-believe: Danny can perceive thoughts and events beyond normal space and time.
A major detail revealed later in the novel is that Tony is closely connected to Danny’s own identity. “Tony” is short for Anthony, part of Danny’s full name, Daniel Anthony Torrance. The story strongly suggests that Tony represents a future or psychologically advanced aspect of Danny himself, helping him understand visions that would otherwise be overwhelming.
Readers sometimes confuse the novel’s Tony with the 1980 film adaptation, where Danny’s psychic experiences are presented differently and the character is less fully explained. The Overlook’s ghosts, Dick Hallorann’s own shining ability, and Tony’s visions are related elements, but they are not the same phenomenon.