John Sternwood is a fictional character from the novel "The Big Sleep," written by Raymond Chandler. He is an elderly and wealthy man who is bedridden and suffering from a terminal illness. Sternwood is the owner of a large estate in Los Angeles and is known for his eccentricities, including his obsession with horse racing. In the story, Sternwood hires private detective Philip Marlowe to resolve a blackmail case involving his daughter, Carmen Sternwood. His character serves as a catalyst for the unfolding mystery, revealing the complexities of his family dynamics and the darker aspects of wealth and privilege.