. It appears that Shane has been around the block a time or two, having visited many parts of the country and been involved in many dangerous situations—part of the reason he is so accurate when he predicts what Fletcher will do is because this is not a new situation to him. Shane does not seem to be afraid of anything and never shirks a responsibility, even if it is one that could get him killed.

Shane Shane represents Schaefer's beliefs regarding what makes a man and what we should admire in people we consider heroes. Shane is not the average gunslinger—he does not like to fight, and he does not even carry a gun. Rather, he is loyal and minds his own business, fighting only if it is unavoidable. He is quiet and does not brag or even talk about himself much at all.

Shane loves Joe, Marian, and Bob and would do anything at all for any of them. He teaches Bob about becoming a man, encouraging Bob not to let people like Chris goad him into fighting.

He also does not carry a gun, teaching Bob that strength and power do not come from the equipment one carries, but from within. He represents a firmness and dependability that everyone in the Starrett family grows to depend on

When Shane is around there is a general feeling of well being and that nothing harmful can occur. He is the very personification of stability.It is difficult to find explicit proof of Shane's feelings for the Starretts. He does not talk much—the only dialogue he has are the very brief exchanges he has with Marian.