Joe Carroll is a fictional character from the television series The Following, created by Kevin Williamson. He is portrayed by actor James Purefoy and is depicted as a charismatic and manipulative serial killer who leads a cult of followers. The show revolves around his obsession with literature, particularly the works of Edgar Allan Poe, and his desire to create a legacy through his violent acts. In the series, Joe Carroll becomes the target of former FBI agent Ryan Hardy, played by Kevin Bacon, who is determined to stop him and his followers. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Carroll and Hardy drives much of the show's tension and drama, exploring themes of obsession, loyalty, and the nature of evil.