The Mysterious Stranger

Shane rides onto the homestead as a complete stranger with an unknown past. Often, in both film and novels, characters' lives drastically change when an unknown, mysterious stranger enters the picture. However, the question is always whether their lives will change for the better or for the worse; all readers or viewers know for sure is that characters' lives will inevitably be altered.

In Shane, the characters' lives are changed for the better. Shane may have a shady past as a gunslinger, but he proves to be a noble person while living with the Starretts. Shane stands up for them when they are cornered by Ryker's gang, and he is willing to sacrifice himself after Stonewall is murdered by Wilson. Although Shane's past influences his actions and ultimately forces him to leave the Starretts and the other homesteaders, their lives are positively affected by his impact...