Stephen King's "The Stand" is a post-apocalyptic novel that explores the aftermath of a deadly pandemic caused by a superflu known as Captain Trips. The story follows the survivors as they navigate a world devastated by the disease, which wipes out most of the human population. The narrative centers on the conflict between good and evil, represented by two main characters: Mother Abagail, a symbol of hope and morality, and Randall Flagg, a dark figure embodying chaos and destruction. As the survivors gather in different communities, they must choose sides in a battle for the future of humanity.