American Gods follows a man named Shadow Moon who, at the beginning of the tale, is a convict in prison. Shadow is released from prison the day after his wife and best friend are killed together in a car accident. When he is informed of the death of his wife and friend by the Warden of the prison, Shadow seems numb, unable to process the information. He merely nods. The warden informs him he will be released from prison a few days early to see to his wife's affairs.