The Pawn symbolism on Days of Our Lives runs deep and connects to a new generation

Longtime Days of Our Lives viewers are familiar with Stefan Dimera (Joe Mascola) and how he used John Black (Drake Hogysten) as "The Pawn" . Stefano loved playing chess and saw people as chess pieces to be moved around.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, or others who may have forgotten the details there is a reason Chad Dimera (Conner Floyd) is looking into the chess set his father left for Marlena Evans (Deidra Hall).

On Friday Theo Carver ( Tyler Joseph Andrews) found a key that Chad later inserted into the chess set before calling Belle Black (Martha Madison to come over. They want to learn why one pawn is missing.

This story began four decades ago, on November 18, 1985 when a mysterious man arrived in Salem known only as “The Pawn.” His face was hidden under bandages after plastic surgery, he had amnesia and he did not know his real identity.

The Pawn had been manipulated by powerful people and trained to be a tool for their evil plans. He eventually escaped and uncovered the name John Black and started a new life in Salem. He became close to Marlena who helped him try to recover his memories.

Salemites began to believe John might be Roman Brady, (Waye Northrop), Marlena’s presumed-dead husband. Due to manipulation and brainwashing John had Roman's memories and believed this was his identity.

Marlena struggled because she had feelings for Stefano's pawn, while also believing Roman was her true love. Later, when the real Roman Brady returned, it was established that John was actually John Black, not Roman. His true past involved many identities, including believing he was Forrest Alamain.

He had many battles over the decades with the also been caught up in Stefano's schemes, several kidnappings and the spy world of the ISA. Stefano always considered John to be his pawn. John married Isabella Toscana ( he daughter of Victor Kiriakis (John Aniston) who is Brady Black's (Eric Martsolf) mother.

Later he and Marlena found their way back to each other and Belle is their daughter. It was later revealed that John had a son, Paul Naritia (Christopher Sean) with Victoria Naritia ( Hira Ambrosino).

In 2023 John received closure when it was revealed that Timothy Robicheaux (Dick Van Dyke) was his real father. A long chapter of mistaken identity was finally over.

In April, 2024, John Kapelos joined the DOOL cast as Konstantin Meleounis who used a special tarot card to trigger John’s old programming and turn him into The Pawn again.

Konstantin accused John of killing his daugher Katarina and wanted revenge. Thankfully the plot was stopped before serious damage was done. John carried a lot of guilt about taking a life but it was later revealed that Katarina was alive and that her dcath was faked. It turns out she is the mother of Cat Greene (AnaLye McCord) and her three siblings.

Hogestyen did on September 28, 2004 and John died onscreen on June 2, 2025. Some fans believe the missing pawn from the chess set indicates John might be alive somewhere but this is not the case.

DOOL executives have said the character is irreplaceable and they were going to honor the actor's memory and Marlena would not find love again. It stands to reason they would not toy with the fans with such an insensitive storyline.

The chess set is probably a mystery storyline to keep the memories of John and Stefano alive and their families connected. It is no accident that Belle and Chad are embarking on a relationship. Stay tuned to Days of Our Lives to learn what Panndora's box the key will open up in Salem.