The Alternate is a very tall, lanky, pale entity and apparently has the ability to float or at least appear to do so. Its voice is extraordinarily deep and raspy, as heard when it sings Amazing Grace to Thatcher. Thatcher's confrontation with it confirms that alternates cannot be killed by conventional means. After none of Thatcher's pleads work, The Alternate reaches and confronts him. Then impersonates the voice of Ruth and multiple other citizens, who tell Thatcher "The town is in shambles