It (character)

It, also known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, is the titular antagonist of Stephen King's 1986 horror novel It, and its subsequent adaptations, including the 1990 miniseries and the 2017 and 2019 films.

It is an ancient, shapeshifting entity originating from outside the known universe. While It can take on various forms, its preferred and most recognizable form is that of Pennywise, a clown used to lure children, its primary prey.

It's true form is believed to be some form of cosmic entity residing in a dimension beyond human comprehension. In Derry, Maine, It awakens approximately every 27 years to feed on the fear of its inhabitants, which it claims "salts the meat."

It is not merely a predator but embodies a primal force of chaos and terror. It preys on individual fears and uses them to manipulate and terrorize its victims before ultimately killing them. The power of belief and imagination plays a significant role in It's ability to manifest and affect the physical world. Overcoming fear is presented as a crucial element in combating It.

The creature's motivations are largely driven by hunger and a sadistic desire to inflict pain and suffering. Beyond its predatory nature, the extent of It's sentience and understanding remains ambiguous, often hinting at a more complex and malevolent intelligence.