John Shade is a fictional character from the novel "Pale Fire" by Vladimir Nabokov. He is a poet and professor at a university, known for his introspective and complex poetry. Shade's work often explores themes of life, death, and the nature of existence, reflecting his personal struggles and philosophical inquiries. In "Pale Fire," Shade is also the subject of a poem he writes, which is analyzed by his obsessive neighbor, Charles Kinbote. The novel is structured as a poem followed by a commentary, creating a unique narrative that intertwines Shade's life and Kinbote's interpretations, revealing deeper layers of meaning and perspective.