One of the most terrifying stories of the twentieth century, Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” created a sensation when it was first published in The New Yorker in 1948. "Power and haunting," and "nights of unrest" were typical reader responses. Today it is considered a classic work of short fiction, a story remarkable for its combination of subtle suspense and pitch-perfect descriptions of both the chilling and the mundane. The Lottery and Other Stories, the only one to appear during Shirley Jackson's lifetime, unites "The Lottery" with twenty-four equally unusual short stories. Together they demonstrate Jackson's remarkable range -- from the hilarious to the horrible, the unsettling to the ominous -- and her power as a storyteller.
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“This voice's smooth, intense delivery is expertly crafted for building intrigue and drawing listeners into dark stories, aligning perfectly with the subtly unsettling nature of the narrative.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Modulated
“Veda Sky offers a chilling and haunting tone that can effectively convey the macabre essence of gothic horror. Her intense energy perfectly suits an omniscient storyteller hinting at dread.”
Female · Character · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Calm · +4 more
“Tsireya's deep, measured, and mystical quality provides a serene yet subtly ominous presence. Her slow pacing enhances the chillingly composed feel, ideal for building suspense.”
“Kafka embodies the mysterious and measured aspects required for this role. The dramatic flair in her middle-aged voice suggests an ancient, knowing quality that fits the story's tone.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Intense
“Clarice's bold and expressive voice excels at building tension, making her a strong contender for portraying the subtle unease inherent in Shirley Jackson's work. Her British accent adds a sophisticated, timeless air.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
Tessie Hutchinson
protagonist
Initially a jovial, slightly harried village woman, her voice devolves into panicked desperation and indignant protest as the horrifying reality of the lottery unfolds.
“This voice is bright and energetic, perfectly capturing Tessie's initial jovial and spirited nature. The friendly and inviting tone provides a stark contrast to her eventual panic.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Wise
“Angela's warm, friendly, and empathetic American voice would suit Tessie's conversational village woman persona before the lottery. It allows for a nuanced portrayal of her emotional decline.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Upbeat
“Trinity possesses a strong, tenacious presence that could effectively convey Tessie's indignant protest and frantic struggle later in the story. Her upbeat quality could transition into desperate defiance.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Casual
“Eden's warm, slightly raspy texture and capacity for dramatic reads would lend itself well to Tessie's emotional arc. This voice could transition from casual village chatter to raw desperation.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Sad
“Shannon B offers a sarcastic and exhausted attitude that could be channeled into Tessie's indignation and rising panic. Her emotional depth could realistically portray a woman facing a horrifying fate.”