SETTING

The novel is set in the early twentieth century in a Wyoming valley, where the pace of life is simple and
slow and the inhabitants are moral and ethical. Joe Starrett is a homesteader farmer in the valley, and
much of the novel takes place in and around his farm. Other than the rural farm setting, the novel only
portrays the town saloon, where the local men gather and relax. Shane, a mysterious gunman, comes to
the valley and leaves an indelible mark on the people, especially on the Starrett family.

CHAPTER 1
Summary
Bob, Starrett’s young son, remembers seeing a stranger riding into the valley where he lives in Wyoming.
As the stranger nears the house of his parents, the boy notices the horseman’s fine clothes, which have
magnificence about them even though they are not new. The boy notices that the man who wears the
fancy clothes is quite frail in comparison to the considerable hulk of his own father. Bob also detects an
air of tension about the stranger.

As the stranger draws near, Joe Starrett, Bob’s father, comes forward. The stranger asks him for
permission to use the water pump. When permission is granted, the stranger leads his horse to the water
for a drink and also takes a drink himself. When the stranger gives thanks for the water and readies to
leave, Joe detains him, inviting him to share their meal and spend the night in their house. The stranger
quietly accepts the generous offer and introduces himself only by his first name, Shane.

Marian, Joe’s wife, quickly sets another plate on the table for the stranger. As they eat their meal, Bob’s
parents try to gather information about Shane, but he offers no explanations. In spite of his silent ways,
the Starretts like the stranger. After dinner, Joe even discusses with Shane his plans for his farm. He also
mentions Fletcher, his archenemy, who is bent on taking over his land.

After Shane is made comfortable in the barn for the night, Joe and Marian discuss him. They both agree
that he has a mysterious manner, but they like him in spite of it.

Notes
In this first chapter, the key characters of the novel are introduced, including Shane, Marian and Joe
Starrett, and their young son, Bob. From the beginning the narrative is told in first person, with the young
Bob serving as the speaker. His innocent, immature attitude while telling the story lends a certain charm
to the novel.

Although not much information is learned about Shane in this first chapter, it is obvious that this stranger
who rides on to the Starrett farm is not a simple farmer or rancher. He is dressed in fine clothes, even
though they are not new. There is also an aura of tension and mystery about him as he says little about
himself. In fact, he only introduces himself to the Starretts as Shane, not giving a last name.

Bob is immediately attracted to this mysterious stranger. The fact that he is well-dressed and seems to ride
in the valley from nowhere makes him seem like the epitome of mystery, danger, and excitement to Bob’s
young mind. Joe Starrett, however, immediately trusts this stranger. He allows him to take water from the
pump and then offers him a meal and a bed in the barn for the night. It is obvious that Joe does not judge
this stranger as dangerous. He is a trusting and hospitable man.

During the meal that Marian serves, she and Joe try to find out information about this mysterious stranger,
but he volunteers nothing. In spite of Shane’s silence, Joe continues to trust him, telling him about the
future plans for his farm and about his archenemy, Fletcher. After Shane retires to the barn for the night,
Marian and Joe discuss this stranger further. It seems that Joe has an idea about Shane’s past, for he says,
“He [Shane] is a special brand we sometimes get out here in the grass country...A bad one’s poison. A
good one’s straight grain clear through.” Young Bob is confused by his father’s word, and the reader is
also left wondering about Shane’s background at the end of the chapter.

CHAPTER 2
Summary
Bob awakens in the morning to find his father and Shane eating pancakes that his mother has prepared.
Marian is delighted that the stranger eagerly devours the pancakes, seeming to like her cooking. Shane’s
reference to the pancakes as “funnel cakes” indicates that he comes from Tennessee. When he is
questioned about it, he admits that Tennessee was his home.

The Wyoming weather has turned bad. As a result, Joe and Marian ask Shane to stay with them for a
while. When Shane doe not immediately accept the offer, Joe says he is planning to take a day’s rest from
work until the weather clears and would enjoy his company. Marian adds that she is going to make an
apple pie from a new recipe she has been wanting to try. Shane finally agrees to stay.

As they wait for the weather to improve, Marian tries to get Shane to tell her what he knows about the
latest fashions in the civilized world, especially what hats are in style. Shane tells her about
floppy-brimmed bonnets with flowers on top and slits in the brim for scarves to come through. Marian is
delighted to hear news of the outside world.

Joe is equally pleased with Shane’s presence. It is enjoyable to converse with another adult male. Joe tells
Shane all about the farm, and when the weather clears, he eagerly shows his land to the stranger. As they
pass the stump of a large tree that has died, Joe complains about the difficulty he is having in removing it.

Joe spies Ledyard, the peddler, riding towards them. He had earlier asked the peddler to find him a
cultivator. When Ledyard arrives, he shows Joe a cultivator, which he praises as unique and utilitarian. He
says it costs only one hundred and ten dollars. Shane intervenes, saying that he has seen a similar one for
just sixty dollars. Ledyard is obviously offended by Shane’s comment and discounts him as a no-good
stranger. Joe defends his guest, saying that he has more faith in Shane than Ledyard. In the end, Joe offers
Ledyard eighty dollars for the cultivator. The peddler accepts the offer, takes Joe’s money, and rides away.

After Ledyard departs, Shane takes an axe and goes out to the old tree stump and begins to work on it. Joe
tries to dissuade him, but Shane answers, “A man has to pay his debts.” Joe understands Shane’s thoughts
and words; therefore, he joins him and starts hacking away at the dead tree. Though they work in silence,
both men feel camaraderie as they attack the old stump.

Notes
Shane is immediately accepted by the family. Bob is delighted to have this mysterious stranger in his
midst, for life on the farm can seem very monotonous to a young boy. Joe is also pleased to have his
company. Since the weather has turned bad, he insists that Shane stay with them for a while longer. He
even says he will take the day off to spend with Shane, an offer that shocks his wife, for she has never
seen her husband rest from his work.

Marian also shows her pleasure in having Shane at the farm. She revels in hearing about the latest female
fashions in the civilized world. She also reveals a girlish delight when Shane compliments her cooking
and voraciously gobbles her pancakes. She tempts him into staying longer by promising to bake for him
an apple pie from a special new recipe. After hesitating at first, Shane soon accepts the generous offer of
the Starretts to stay for a few more days on the farm.

Ledyard, the peddler, is portrayed in the traditional Western manner. A smooth-talking salesman, he is out
to make a quick buck. Unbothered by cheating his customers, he raises his prices far too high, because he
knows that there are few places in Wyoming for the farmers to go and buy their needed equipment and
wares. Shane, however, comes to the rescue. He tells Ledyard that he has seen a similar cultivator, selling
for $60 rather than $110. In the end, Joe pays eighty for the needed piece of equipment.

Little new background information is learned from Shane in the chapter, for he is a man of few words.
When the Starretts suspect him of being from Tennessee, Shane agrees that he is; but the reader is not
convinced, for his answer was much too easy. Shane, however, reveals a great deal about himself through
his actions. Throughout the chapter he endears himself to Joe, even though he is a mere stranger. He
listens carefully and with interest as Joe talks about the farm and his problems. He sympathizes with Joe
about the old stump and then sets out to dig up the remains of the dead tree. He also causes Joe to pay
thirty dollars less for the cultivator than Ledyard tried to charge.

The chapter ends in a picture of camaraderie. To thank Joe for his trust in him, Shane finds an axe and is
hacking away at the old tree stump that troubles his host. When Joe insists that it is not necessary for him
to work, Shane refuses to quit. As a result, Joe joins in the effort, and the two men hack at the tree stump
in happy silence, lost in their own thoughts. It is a picture of acceptance of one another.

CHAPTER 3
Summary
Bob watches his father and Shane work tirelessly on the tree stump. After a while, his mother comes out
to join him. She has fixed her old hat in the style that Shane had described. Although she looks very
pretty, the men are too busy to notice her. When she asks her husband to comment on her hat, Joe merely
tells her not to bother them. An infuriated Marian stalks off. When the men later come inside to eat, the
meal is an uncomfortable one, for Marian is unnaturally polite.

After eating, Marian busies herself making biscuits and peeling apples for a pie. The men return to their
work, and Bob watches them again. Before long they are able to cut off a root and make the stump move.
Bob calls out to his mother to come and watch the final proceedings.

When Marian arrives, she urges them to make use of horses to pull the stump, but both men want to do it
themselves. Finally with great heaving and grunting, the stump tears loose from its last hold and topples
on the ground. The moment is a triumphant one for the men. To celebrate, Shane suggests having some
pie. Unfortunately, Marian has forgotten all about it, and the pie is totally burned. Marian is very upset,
and no amount of cajoling her about it seems to help. She finally declares that she is going to make
another pie. When it is ready and put on plates, Shane tastes the pie and says that it is the best bit of stump
he has ever eaten. All of the adults laugh at the comment, which bewilders the young Bob.

Notes
Shane and Joe spend most of the chapter laboring over the removal of the dead tree stump. They are so
busy with their work that they refuse to notice Marian’s restyled hat. They also refuse her suggestion to
use the horses to make the work easier, for they want the thrill of finishing the job on their own. The
intensity with which Shane and Joe labor over the tree stump reveals their determination, strength, and
tenacity. Shane works diligently on the stump in order to repay Joe for his kindness. Joe works equally as
hard, for the dead stump has been troublesome to him for a long time, but he never wanted to tackle its
removal alone.

Although Marian is angry that her husband scolds her for interrupting him and Shane as they work, she is
still the dutiful wife and hostess. She prepares a meal for them, which she serves with exaggerated
politeness, trying to hide her anger. After eating, she prepares the apple pie that she has promised to make.
Unfortunately, as she watches the men finally removing the stump, she forgets all about the pie, which
totally burns. Embarrassed about the ruined pie, Marian, in stubbornness, makes a new one. When it is
ready and served, Shane breaks the tension by stating, “That’s the best bit of stump I ever tasted.” The
allusion to the stump is understood by the adults, but is lost on young Bob.

CHAPTER 4
Summary
The next morning, Bob wakes up and thinks about their guest. Though Shane had at first seemed stern
and forbidding, he now seems to be a comfortable and pleasant part of their family. He even believes his
own parents are more vibrant with Shane around.

When Bob dashes to the breakfast table, he is glad to find that the adults are still eating. He enjoys
listening to their light bantering. When they are through eating, Shane rises to take his leave from the
farm, but Joe again stops him. When he asks Shane whether he is running away from something, the guest
replies in the negative. Joe then explains that he needs a new worker, for his employee has been misled by
Fletcher’s men. He offers Shane the job, which he accepts. When Shane leaves the room, Marian
questions her husbands’ judgement, but Joe says he feels certain he has made a wise decision.

Shane proves to be a hard worker. He easily learns all the things that Joe teaches him and does his work
well. There is still, however, something about him that makes him seem different. Young Bob is almost
frightened by the intensity that Shane shows as he works. He attacks his farm duties with fierce energy,
dedication, and concentration.

Bob thinks about the fact that Shane has taken his father’s place at the table. Though Marian had looked
annoyed the first time the stranger sat in Joe’s chair, his father had quietly taken a new place, not saying a
word. When a neighbor enters the room during a meal, Bob realizes why Shane has chosen his seat and
not moved from it. From his position at the table, he can see every person that enters.

Bob also thinks about the impressive gun that belongs to Shane. He wonders why he does not carry it with
him, like all the other farmers that he knows. When Bob questions his father about it, Joe says that Shane
probably has a very good reason for not carrying the gun, but he advises the boy not to ask Shane about it.
He also advises his son not to grow too fond of Shane, for he may move away at any time.

Notes

Shane has now become a part of the Starrett household; but something still sets him apart from them.
Although he works hard like the other farmers, there is an intensity and dignity about him. Even though
he does not fully understand Shane, Bob is overjoyed at his continued presence in the house. He is also
fascinated that his idol has a fancy gun but never carries it. His father tells his son not to ask Shane about
the gun. He also warns the boy not to become too close to Shane, for “he’ll be moving on one of these
days and then you’ll be all upset if you get to liking him too much.”

The villagers take longer to accept Shane as one of them because of his quiet ways. One of the men fears
that underneath the silence is a powder keg. He states that he is “like one of these here slow burning fuses.
Quiet and no sputtering. So quiet you forget its burning. Then it sets off one heck of a blow-off of trouble
when it touches powder. That’s him.” Shane adds even greater mystery to his being by his obvious habit
of always sitting or standing facing the door, ever alert to who enters. The reader is still left wondering
about Shane’s past.

CHAPTER 5
Summary
As time passes, it is hard for Bob to remember when Shane was not with his family, for he has become a
total part of their existence. There is still, however, a strange alertness and a touch of bitterness about him.
When Joe has to be away from home for a couple of days, Shane takes the opportunity to build a new
section on to the Starrett house. Marian had mentioned that it was soon to be her wedding anniversary,
and Shane makes the addition as an anniversary gift.

Bob remembers the summer when Shane is on the farm as the happiest summer of his life. He enjoys
spending time with his hero and tries to emulate Shane in every way. Once when Bob is playing with his
old gun, Shane shows him how to hold it properly. Bob takes the opportunity to question Shame about
guns, but Shane says little. Instead a look of bitter reverie comes over his face; but he warns the boy that a
gun is a mere tool, which is as good or as bad as the man that carries it.

Notes
Bob idolizes Shane and spends as much time with him as possible. Joe has also learned to trust Shane
implicitly and even leaves the house and his family in his care while he travels out of town to do some
work. While Joe is gone, the thoughtful Shane makes good use of his time, building a new section on to
the Starrett’s home. The addition is a present for their wedding anniversary.
In spite of the fact that Shame is totally comfortable at the Starrett’s and has been accepted into their
family, there is still an aura of mystery about him. He has never spoken of his background and has not
even revealed his last name. He also behaves strangely, falling into a bitter reverie, when Bob asks him
some innocent questions about guns. Although the details about Shane’s life have not been revealed, it is
obvious that there is a sad bitterness deep inside him.

CHAPTER 6
Summary
Fletcher, the village nemesis, returns after a long absence. Once again he tries to seize the land of the
village homestead farmers, saying he will pay a fair price for it. Everyone, but Shane, is on edge about
Fletcher. Shane, however, shows no concern about what is going on. He minds his own business and goes
about his job as usual, working hard and bantering with Marian and Bob.

Joe, the unofficial leader of the village farmers, holds a meeting at his house to discuss a plan of action
against Fletcher. James Lewis, Ed Howells, Frank Torrey, and Ernie Wright, all solid, dependable,
longtime homesteaders, attend the meeting and discuss their options. Joe expresses his concern that
Fletcher will try to win Shane to his side. The meeting breaks up without any agreement on a plan of
action.

One day Joe remarks that a piece of equipment has to be taken into town to be repaired. Shane offers to
do it and insists upon going alone. Bob, however, wants to go along, hoping not to miss anything; as a
result, he hops into the wagon. Shane first goes to the blacksmith to give him the tongs to repair. He then
enters the saloon to have a drink. As Bob waits outside the saloon, he sees two of Fletcher’s men enter the
saloon, but only one of them, whose name is Chris, remains inside. Curious about what is going on, Bob
peers into the saloon and listens intently to the conversation between Chris and Shane. Chris makes some
derogatory remarks to Shane, who tells him to cut it out. Chris, however, calls Shane a pig and laughs at
him. With difficulty, Shane manages to control himself, walk out of the saloon, and head for home. Chris
assumes that Shane is too scared to fight.

Joe waits for his son and Shane to return. When they arrive, they tell him about the events of the day. He
is glad that Shane did not lose his temper, but he worries about what may happen next.

Notes
Fletcher’s return to the village causes an immediate increase in tension amongst the homestead farmers,
whose land he wants to seize. Joe, the leader of the group, holds a meeting of the farmers at his house to
discuss a plan of action. Joe also expresses his concern about Fletcher trying to win Shane, the new man
in town, to his side.

When Joe needs a piece of equipment repaired at the village blacksmith, Shane volunteers to take it into
town. Although not invited, the eager Bob goes with him. When Shane goes into the saloon to have a
drink, Bob waits outside. He soon spies two of Fletcher’s men go into the saloon, obviously to talk to
Shane. Only one of them, Chris, stays inside for long.

Chris confronts Shane, trying to win him over to Fletcher’s point of view. When Shane refuses, Chris calls
him names and tempts him to fight. Shane works very hard not to lose his temper. He walks out of the
saloon and heads for home with Bob, causing Chris to think that he is too chicken to fight. When Shane
and Bob arrive at home, they tell Joe about what has happened. He is pleased about Shane’s self-control,
but he worries about what will happen next.

CHAPTER 7
Summary
Fletcher spreads the story that Shane has retreated from Chris in fear. He also repeatedly sends his men to
the Starrett farm to make snide remarks about pigs. Joe and Shane maintain control with difficulty, but
never lose their tempers. Soon the other farmers question the wisdom of Shane and Joe not fighting back.
It is obvious that they do not respect their self-control. Shane cannot bear to see the changed attitude
towards Joe. As a result, he leaves the farm for a period of time. When he returns, he tells Joe, “Your pigs
are dead and buried.”

Ed Howells soon arrives to tell Joe what he has seen. Shane has fought with Chris and beaten him badly.
At the end of the fight, Chris was a crumpled and bloody mess. Shane picks him up, wipes the blood from
his face, and checks him for any broken bones.

After the fight, the village farmers again give their respect to Joe. Shane is pleased about their changed
attitudes, and Joe is happy to have the farmers on his side once again. Marian, however, feels no pleasure;
she worries about what is going to happen to Shane. Her anxiety increases the tension of the plot.

Notes
Fletcher works in devious ways. He sends his men to the Starrett farm to make snide and crude remarks
about a pig in the field, an obvious reference to Shane. The narrow-minded village farmers do not
understand why Joe and Shane do not fight back. They react by losing respect for both men. Shane,
unable to tolerate the unfair judgement of Joe, decides he must fight back alone. He leaves the farm and
seeks out Chris. In the fight between the two men, Chris is beaten badly. As his opponent lies in a bloody,
crumpled heap, Shane again shows his dignity when he picks Chris up and wipes the blood from his face.

The immediate response of the village farmers is to have a new respect for both Shane and Joe. Marian,
however, is worried about Shane’s victory. She fears that Fletcher will retaliate, and she worries that
Shane will be forced to use his abilities as a gunman. It seems that his past is slowing catching up to him
once again.

CHAPTER 8
Summary
After the fight with Chris, Shane is a changed man. The serenity that he had found at the Starrett farm is
now destroyed. He grows restless to the point of desperation. Bob, sensing the difference in his hero, asks
him about his fight with Chris. Shane begs him to understand why he had to fight.

Often after dinner, Shane slips out to be by himself. Bob sometimes follows him and finds his hero on his
horse in the pasture, staring out over the land. Bob also overhears a confusing conversation between his
mother and Shane. Marian explains that she understands Shane’s need to move on, but she asks him to
stay on the farm for Joe’s sake. Shane then asks whether she wants him to stay as well. After a slight
hesitation, Marian admits the she also needs him to stay, stating it would be hard for both she and Joe to
lose Shane. The conversation ends with Shane promising to stay.

Notes
The fight with Chris changes Shane. He is once more haunted by his past life as a gunman and fears he
may be forced to use his gun again to protect himself and the Starretts from Fletcher and his men. He
thinks about leaving the Starrett farm in order to avoid trouble. Marian, however, begs Shane to stay,
saying that Joe needs his help. She also admits that she wants him to stay for her own sake, for he is a
pleasant diversion for Marian. Going against his basic instinct, Shane promises to stay on the farm to help
Joe.

CHAPTER 9
Summary
After Chris is beaten by Shane, Fletcher’s men quit annoying the Starretts and the rest of the
homesteaders on a regular basis. Joe and Shane, however, know that trouble will resurface and remain
ever watchful.

One Saturday evening, Shane and the Starretts go into town. When they arrive, they go their separate
ways. Marian meets the other farmers’ wives and exchanges gossip and recipes with them. Joe looks at
catalogues of farm equipment. Bob explores the general store. Shane enters the saloon to have a drink.
Bob notices that several dark, hulking bodies crowd outside the window of the saloon looking inside. He
races to Shane to warn him about what he has seen. Shane advises Bob to go outside, but the boy hides to
watch what happens.

Morgan, one of Fletcher’s men, leads a group into the saloon. Knowing the reason for their presence,
Shane flies at Morgan and attacks him. Both bodies roll on the floor. Shane then begins to move like the
wind, dodging blows and striking Morgan. Unfortunately, Morgan gets behind Shane and smashes a bottle
on his head, causing Shane to slump to the floor. As Shane falls to the floor, Bob sees his father at the
entrance looking big and terrible. Joe hurtles into Morgan with full force, allowing Shane time to come to
his senses and rejoin the fight. Bob also notices that his mother is watching the fight with pride in her
eyes.

Before long the fight is over. Shane drives his fist into Morgan’s face and strikes him on the neck. Morgan
slumps to the floor, limp all over.

Notes

The fight with Morgan is a foreshadowing of the outcome of the plot. As Shane has expected, Fletcher
sends his men to attack him in retaliation. When Shane enters the saloon alone, several of Fletcher’s men,
led by Morgan, enter behind him. Realizing the reason for their presence, Shane flies into Morgan. A
vicious fight ensues. When Shane is getting the better of Morgan in the fistfight, he ruthlessly picks up a
bottle and smashes it over Shane’s head, knocking him to the floor. Joe, entering the saloon, sees what is
happening and immediately attacks Morgan. Shane regains consciousness and rejoins the fight. Soon he
punches Morgan in the face and strikes him hard on the neck, sending him to the floor in a limp heap.
Marian, who has watched the fight, is proud of her husband and Shane.

This victory over Morgan clearly foreshadows the fact that Shane, with Joe’s help, will be able to
overcome and subdue Fletcher’s men. He has clearly proven that he is a strong and powerful opponent,
who should be feared. Even the young Bob, who has watched the whole fight, senses the inner power of
his hero and firmly believes he can beat any man who dares to challenge him.

Shane is relieved that the conflict with Fletcher is now out in the open. He suddenly feels less anxious,
“happy that the waiting was over.”

CHAPTER 10
Summary
After the fight, Shane is battered and bloody, but his tireless, indestructible strength is apparent to all who
see him. When the some of the village farmers offer to help him, he refuses their aid. He does, however,
allow Joe to carry him back to the farm. Back at home, Marian cleans Shane’s wounds with tenderness.
She also takes care of her husband. Proud of her two men, she openly admits emotions.

Exhausted from the tensions of the day, Marian breaks into sobs. Joe does not know how to react, but
Shane tries to comfort her by putting his hand gently on her hair. He then leaves her alone with her
husband. Marian calls to Joe, and he comes forward and embraces her. He then admits that Shane is really
a better man than he.

Notes
This chapter is filled with emotion. After the fight, Shane, though bruised and bloody, holds his head high
with confidence and pride. The village farmers are amazed at his strength and offer to help him. Shane,
however, refuses them and accepts only Joe’s offer of aid. As they travel towards home, Shane and Joe
discuss the fight with relish, discussing every blow. Now there is a deeper camaraderie than ever between
the two men.

Back at home, Marian's love for both Shane and her husband is shown in her tender care as she nurses
their wounded bodies. When her work is complete, she can no longer hold her deep emotions in check
and bursts into sobs. Shane tries to calm her by gently touching her hair. Then out of respect, he departs to
leave her alone with her husband. Joe understands and accepts the deep emotion that exists between the
two of them.

When they are alone, Marian calls to Joe. He comes forward and embraces her with tenderness. He also
admits that Shane is a better man than he. Since he has learned to love and trust this new member of the
family, he assures his wife that “whatever happens will be right.”

CHAPTER 11
Summary
Fletcher and his men again leave Shane alone. He and Joe, however, remain cautious, fearing another
attack. When Bob questions his father about their caution, Joe explains that the fight with Fletcher has
only just begun.

Shane and Joe learn that a stranger named Wilson has arrived in town carrying two guns. The news upsets
Shane, and he begins to mobilize for action, fearing the worst. Wilson does not take long to attack. Ernie
Wright, the farmer with the hottest temper, is shot by Wilson when he refuses to sell his land to Fletcher.

After the shooting, the farmers gather at Joe's house to discuss a plan of action. During the heated
discussion, some of the farmers criticize Shane. Blaming the violence on him, they are quick to condemn
his presence in the valley. Joe defends his friend and reminds the farmers that Shane's abilities will surely
help them in their fight against Fletcher. At the end of the meeting, they decide to wait a few days without
taking any action. They want to see what happens next.

All the adults in the Starrett household are nervous and tense. Marian is beside herself with worry, and
Shane’s face is a picture of desperation. Joe understands their concern and wonders aloud to his wife if
perhaps they should just leave the farm to avoid trouble. He also fears that Shane may desert them in their
time of need. Bob, overhearing the conversation, shouts at this father that Shane would never run away.
Joe agrees and decides that he must stay and fight Fletcher.

Notes
The lack of an immediate retaliation from Fletcher is just the proverbial calm before the storm. Knowing
that he and his men will strike back in retaliation for Morgan’s defeat, everyone in the Starrett household
is tense and worried. Joe even questions whether he can count on Shane’s help and wonders if it might be
best to leave the farm and avoid trouble. It is the young Bob who reminds him that Shane would never
desert the family in a time of trouble. Joe agrees and decides to stay and fight.

The evil ways of Fletcher become apparent in this chapter. He brings Wilson, a gun-toting stranger, to
town. Before long, he and Fletcher pick an argument with Ernie Wright about selling his land. When
Wright refuses and loses his temper, Wilson shoots him dead. The other farmers react by blaming the
violence on Shane. Joe tries to change their thinking by reminding them that Shane can be a big help in
the fight that is sure to follow.

Shane is deeply affected, to the point of desperation, by what is happening in the town. He has been trying
to forget his gunslinging past by settling down to a calm, settled life on the Starrett farm. Now, with
Wilson in town, he fears that he will be called upon to once again use his own gun, which he had hoped
he had put away forever.

CHAPTER 12
Summary
Shane and Joe saddle up their horses and ride into town for Ernie’s funeral, which is done in grand style
and is well attended. In their absence, Marian and Bob try to occupy their thoughts by playing a board
game and reading. When the men return, Joe describes the funeral. As he speaks, the sound of horses is
heard. Fletcher and Wilson soon appear. Fletcher smiles and begins to talk, asking Joe to sell his land and
telling him he can continue to work on the farm after it is purchased. Curtly and bluntly, Joe refuses the
offer, an action that infuriates Fletcher. He tells Joe that he will give him until evening to reconsider the
offer. Fletcher then makes an indecent comment about Marian, trying to upset Joe. Joe's face tightens, and
his hand goes to his revolver. Shane intercedes and dares Wilson to fight without his guns. Wilson refuses
the offer. Joe and Shane, however, now feel that they have a valid reason to fight with Fletcher. When
Fletcher and Wilson leave, Marian’s utter fright is obvious. She has feared that both Joe and Shane were
going to be killed by Wilson.

Notes
Joe and Shane go into town for Ernie’s funeral. When they return, they tell Marian all about the grand
affair. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Fletcher and Wilson. Fletcher again offers to
purchase Joe’s land, an offer that Joe bluntly refuses. Fletcher is obviously infuriated at the rejection. To
try and anger Joe, he makes a rude remark about someone else “enjoying this place of yours and that
woman there in the window." Joe is so angered by the comment that he reaches for his gun. Shane,
however, intercedes and challenges Wilson to fight him without his guns. Wilson refuses the offer and
departs with Fletcher. Joe and Shane now feel that they have a valid reason to fight back against Fletcher,
further foreshadowing the outcome of the plot.

CHAPTER 13
Summary
After the visit from Wilson and Fletcher, there is an air of tension in the Fletcher household. Even young
Bob feels the strain and asks his father, "What are you going to tell Fletcher tonight?" Although Joe
remains silent, everyone knows the answer. When Fletcher returns, Joe will still not agree to sell his land.

After dinner, when her work is finished, Marian sits beside her husband and holds his hand. Shane cannot
settle down. Filled with an unbearable torment, he leaves the house in a rush. Marian starts to follow him
out, but decides against it. Instead, she falls into her husband's arms. Joe understands his wife’s emotions.
He realizes that she is truly fond of Shane and fights her emotions for him. He tells her, "I'm counting on
you, Marian to help him win again. You can do it, if anyone can."

When Bob sees Shane coming out of his room later in the evening, he is dressed as he was the day when
he arrived on the farm. He is also carrying his gun. Bob thinks his hero looks magnificent. Shane
announces to Joe that he is going into town. Joe, sensing that he is going to find Fletcher, tries to dissuade
him. He explains that Fletcher is not Shane’s problem, and he cannot allow him to try and handle the
problem alone. Shane, however, is firm and insistent. When Joe tries to stop him, Shane even hits him on
the head with the barrel of his gun. Marian watches the entire argument and understands Shane’s
determination. Before he departs, Shane asks her to make Joe understand what he has done. Marian asks
whether he is doing this only for her. Shane hesitates for a long moment and then says, “No.” He then
departs without a further word.

Notes
The Starrett household is filled with tension, for each family member, including young Bob, knows that
Fletcher has to be faced before the night is over. Marian tries to comfort Joe by sitting next to him and
tenderly holding his hand. Shane, however, can find no comfort. In anxiety, he finally races from the
house. Marian thinks about following him out, but she decides against it and takes solace in her husband’s
arms.

When Bob spies Shane coming out of his room, he thinks his hero looks magnificent. He is dressed in his
formal gunslinger attire, and his gun flashes against his trousers. Bob thinks he looks like the most
dangerous man he has ever seen. Ironically, he feels Shane is the safest man that has ever been in their
house.

Shane announces that he is going into town. It is clear that he plans to find Fletcher and handle the
problem, for he does not want Joe to be endangered by him. Joe tries to dissuade Shane, saying that
Fletcher is not his problem. Shane, however, is insistent. When Joe tries to stop him, Shane hits him over
the head with a bottle. He tells Marian, who has been watching and understanding the argument, that she
needs to explain everything to her husband. He says to her, "Tell him no man need be ashamed of being
beat by Shane."

CHAPTER 14
Summary
Bob cannot imagine missing this fight; therefore, he sneaks out of the house and follows his hero. When
Shane spies him, he chastises Bob and tells him to go home. He then rushes away to lose the boy. Bob,
however, is determined to see the fight. He creeps into town under cover and goes to the saloon, where he
climbs on to a perch from where he can see everything that happens.

There is a hush in the saloon, almost as if everybody has been waiting for Shane's arrival. Wilson is
present, and so is Chris -- with his hand in a sling and a smile on his face. When Shane enters, he asks
where Fletcher is. Wilson answers by asking where Joe is. The stage is clearly set for the battle.

Shane and Wilson face each other squarely and without fear. Then with incredible swiftness, gunfire
resounds through the saloon. When the shooting stops, Shane stands solidly. Wilson, however, has a
useless right arm; blood can be seen flowing from under his sleeve. Not satisfied with simply injuring
Wilson, Shane fires another shot, which hits Wilson in his chest and sends him toppling to the ground.
Suddenly, another bullet is fired, and Shane is hit on the shoulder by a shot from Fletcher’s gun. Shane
swirls around and fires a return shot at Fletcher, who has been hiding in the balcony. Fletcher falls against
the rail, jars it loose, and falls with it. Bob has watched the entire fight.

Satisfied with his victory, Shane leaves the saloon in dignity. Bob follows him out and calls to him. Shane
stops to speak to the boy. With sadness in his voice, he explains that a man cannot be changed from his
original mold. He has tried to leave gunfighting behind, but he felt that he had to fight against Wilson and
Fletcher. Now he knows there is no place for him in the village; he cannot go back to the farm. He tells
Bob to look after his parents. As he leaves town, he is a dark, lonely figure against the moonlight.

Notes
The climax of the story occurs in this chapter. Shane finally comes to grips with the fact that he cannot
escape who he is. As an expert gunslinger, he knows that he must fight Fletcher and Wilson and spare Joe
from tragedy. He also knows that his decision will prevent him from remaining on the Starrett farm, but
he is willing to give up his comfortable, stable life in order to protect Marian, Joe, and Bob. It is a truly
noble gesture.

The young Bob is not about to miss out on the action. When Shane leaves the house, Bob sneaks out and
follows him. When Shane spies Bob, he scolds him and tells him to go home. Bob does not obey, but
continues on towards town under cover. When he arrives, he finds a perch at the saloon so he can watch
the fight that is sure to occur. The author has to have the boy present in the saloon, for he is the one telling
the story from the first person point of view.

When Shane enters the saloon, everyone is sitting in silence awaiting his arrival. Shane looks around and
asks where he can find Fletcher. Wilson answers by asking about Joe’s whereabouts. Shane is a picture of
calm and confidence. Now that he has made the decision to fight once again with his gun, he is no longer
tortured by uncertainty or indecision. He is prepared to take care of Wilson and Fletcher once and for all.

Shane and Wilson square off against each other, and gunshots ring through the saloon. When it is silent
again, Shane is standing unhurt, and Wilson is seriously wounded in his right arm. Not satisfied to only
injure his opponent, Shane fires another shot into Wilson’s chest, killing him. Then another shot is heard,
which grazes Shane’s shoulder. It was fired by Fletcher, who has been hiding in the balcony, awaiting the
chance to kill Shane if needed. Before reacting, Shane mutters aloud, "I gave him his chance."

Shane then reacts quickly to the gunshot. He swirls around and successfully fires at Fletcher, who falls
against the rail, breaking it and tumbling to his death. Satisfied with his victory, Shane walks out of the
saloon with pride and dignity. Bob follows him out and calls to his hero. Shane stops and explains the
situation to the boy, saying that a man cannot escape the mold from which he has come. He came into the
town a gunslinger, and he must now depart from the town because he has used his gun again. He tells
Bob, “There's no going back from a killing. The brand sticks and there's no going back." This time,
however, the killing was to spare the Starretts from tragedy.

Unable to stay on the farm any longer, Shane leaves town without even saying goodbye to Marian and
Joe. He simply tells Bob to take care of his parents. As he departs, he is a dark and lonely figure against
the moonlight.

CHAPTER 15
Summary
Marian and Joe anxiously wait for Bob’s return. When Weir brings the boy back home, he tells the
Starretts that their troubles are over, for Fletcher is dead. Marian and Joe assume that Shane is also dead
and are surprised to learn that he has simply walked out of town and their lives forever. Both of them are
grieved over the loss of Shane.

Chris arrives at the Starrett home and offers to go to work for Joe in Shane’s place. Because he needs
help, Joe accepts the offer. He then walks out into the fields to think about what has transpired. While Joe
is out of the house, Bob tells his mother about everything that has happened.
The next morning an exhausted and depressed Joe tells Marian and Bob that he is tired of the farm and
wants to leave. Marian points out to him that Shane had made a sacrifice in order to insure that all three of
them could keep the farm. Joe understands the truth of her words and promises to stay.

Notes
The Starretts are relieved that Fletcher is no longer alive to torture them; but they are deeply grieved that
Shane has left their midst forever. Joe, who considered Shane a true friend and companion, is so upset by
the turn of events that he even contemplates leaving the farm for a new place. Marian has to convince him
that Shane has killed two men so that they could stay on the farm forever, and it would dishonor him to
leave the place. Realizing the truth of his wife’s words, Joe promises to stay and work the land.

When Shane decides to leave town, it is the only decision that he could make. He knows that he would
always be feared as a murderer in the valley and could no longer live a peaceful life at the Starretts.
Without knowing what the future hold for him, he simply walks out of town.

CHAPTER 16

Summary
When Bob returns to school, there is a lot of talk about Shane and what he has done. Bob, however,
refuses to enter the conversations, for he feels that the memory of Shane belongs only to him and his
family. Even when people speculate that Shane was a gambler and gunslinger, Bob refuses to believe it.
For him, Shane was a special man who had ridden into the valley; when his work was done, he had
simply ridden away.

As time passes, Bob continues to think about his hero. He vividly remembers the moment when Shane
twirled around and shot Fletcher. For the boy, Shane will always be the perfect picture of strength and
coordination.

Notes

The brief, final chapter serves as a short summary of young Bob’s deep and long lasting emotions for
Shane, his hero. He feels that he is the best, most powerful man he has ever known, and the memories of
him always make Bob happy.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS
Shane
The author intentionally depicts Shane as an enigmatic character, with an aura of mystery surrounding
him. He is simply a stranger who rides into the valley, enters into the lives and hearts of the Starrett
family, and then leaves the town as quietly as he came. No information about his past is ever given, and
his last name is never even mentioned. The townsfolk and the reader are left to infer information about
Shane’s past by his dress, his thoughts, and his actions.

Shane is a hard worker who wants no favors. When Joe Starrett offers him a job on his farm, he
immediately accepts and does his best to help his employer. He also tries to do extra things to repay Joe
for his kindness. When Joe mentions that an old tree stump is a real nuisance to him, Shane begins to dig
it up. When Joe goes out of town for work, Shane builds an addition to the house. When Fletcher
threatens to take Joe’s farm or harm him, Joe takes matters into his own hands to protect his employer and
his land. It is no wonder that Joe, Marian, and Bob learn to love and respect this quiet stranger in their
midst.

During the course of the novel, Shane proves that he has a keen, sharp mind. When he deals with
Ledyard, the peddler, he manages to strike a better bargain then expected by Joe. When he senses that
Marian needs to be comforted, he gently strokes her hair; but he is wise enough not to pursue his
attraction to her. Instead, he always leaves her alone with her husband at the appropriate moment.

Shane is also sensitive to the young Bob. He takes time to talk to the boy and explain things about life,
especially what is right and wrong. He realizes that Bob looks up to him as a hero, so he is always careful
to say and do the right things in front of him. When Bob sneaks out of the house to follow Shane to the
saloon, where a fight is sure to take place, Shane scolds him and tells him to go home.

Although Shane never talks about his past, it is obvious that he is very troubled by it. When he comes into
the valley, he is dressed like a gunslinger and carries a gun. Once he becomes Joe’s farm assistant,
however, he puts away the dress and the gun. His past life, however, seems to haunt him throughout the
novel. He does not want to revert to his old fighting ways, but in order to win the respect of the townsfolk
and to protect Joe, he is willing to fight. First he beats up Chris and Morgan, two of Fletcher’s hired
hands. Then he has a gunfight with Wilson and Fletcher and kills both of them. His admiration for the
Starrett family is strong enough to make him do what he does not want to do.

When Shane kills Wilson and Fletcher, he knows he must leave the valley forever. Although he would
love to have stayed at the Starrett farm forever, living a quiet, peaceful life far from his past, it was more
important for him to protect his employer and his land from Fletcher. When Shane walks out of town after
the gunfight, he is headed to an unknown future. Even though he has killed two men, he has earned the
respect of the townsfolk and the reader.

Joe Starrett
Joe Starrett is a big, hulk of a man, who lives a quiet life with his family. He has homesteaded a farm in a
Wyoming valley, working hard to carve out a place for himself, his wife, and his son. He is proud of his
accomplishments and his land. He is also well respected by his family and the surrounding farmers. In
fact, he is the unofficial leader of the town. When there are problems with Fletcher, the townsfolk always
gather at the Starrett farm and listen to Joe’s advice.

Joe is a kind and trusting man. When Shane arrives on his farm, he immediately asks the stranger to come
inside for a meal. Sensing the basic goodness of the man, in spite of his dress and mysterious aura, he
offers Shane a job on the farm. When the other farmers have questions about Shane, Joe always stands up
for him. He respects Shane for his hard work, for his polished ways, for his kindness, for his strength and
skill, and for his willingness to do extra things for him and his family. As a result, he views Shane as a
true friend and companion. Knowing that Marian is also attracted to Shane, he admits that Shane is a
better man than he is.
During the course of the novel, Joe proves that he has strength and power, just like Shane. When Shane
begins to work on removing the tree stump, Joe joins in the effort and uses his muscle to help extract the
hunk of wood. When Shane has a fight with Chris in the saloon and gets injured, Joe sees what has
happened and joins in the fracas, fighting like a madman.

Joe does not want Shane to get involved in the fight with Fletcher and tells him that Fletcher is not his
problem. Shane, however, is insistent that he goes into town alone, and Joe knows he is certain to find
Fletcher and fight with him. When he learns from Mr. Weir that Fletcher is dead, Joe is scared that Shane
has also been killed. He is relieved to find that his friend is alive, but he is greatly grieved to learn that
Shane has left town. He knows that he has lost his best friend. As a result, he thinks about leaving the
farm, which will never be the same to him without Shane’s presence. Marian, however, convinces Joe that
he must stay, for Shane has killed two men to make certain that the Starrett family can always live on their
farm. Joe finally understands the depth of Shane’s sacrifice for the three of them.

Marian Starrett
Marian, Joe's wife, is an ideal spouse and mother, who mindfully tends to all the needs of her husband and
her son. She is also a good hostess to Shane. Even though she is a little wary of him in the beginning, she
cooks him special things, like pancakes for breakfast and apple pie for dessert.

Marian’s life on the farm is very hard, dull, and routine. Her only diversion is an occasional trip into town,
where she can shop in the general store and gossip with some of the other women. As a result, Shane is a
breath of fresh air to her. He is willing to converse with her and tell her about life outside the Wyoming
valley. He even tells her about the latest fashions. When she learns about the latest style in hats, she trims
and ties her own hat to make it more fashionable. When the men do not notice her, she is displeased, and
when her husband tells her not to interrupt his work, she is angry.

During the course of the novel, Marian proves that she is also a wise and determined woman. When Joe
and Shane are trying to extract the tree stump, she suggests that they use their horses to help them. When
she burns the first apple pie that she promised to bake for Shane, she insists upon making another one.
When she is attracted to Shane, she guards against her own emotions, knowing that she must be faithful to
her husband. When Bob asks questions of her, she always takes time to answer and explain. When Shane
is determined to go and fight Fletcher by himself, she makes certain that he is not doing it just for her
benefit. When Joe is depressed by Shane’s departure and thinks about leaving the farm, Marian is the one
that convinces him he must to honor what Shane has done for them. In every way, Marian proves that she
is a woman to be respected.

Bob Starrett
Bob, the young son of Marian and Joe, is the first person narrator of the story. Everything that the reader
learns about Shane, Marian, Joe, or the other townsfolk comes from his point of view. Because he tells
Shane’s story, it is not surprising that Bob is the first one to spy Shane coming into the valley; he is also
the last one to see him leave.

Like Marian, Bob lives a quiet, dull, and routine life in the Wyoming valley, where he goes to school and
helps his father with farm chores. As a result, he is very excited to have a mysterious stranger come into
his midst. In fact, in Bob's young eyes, Shane becomes the epitome of everything that is brave,
courageous, handsome, powerful, humane, and gentle. He is impressed with Shane’s fancy clothing and
his fancy gun, for they are more sophisticated than anything he has ever seen in the valley. He is also
delighted that Shane will take the time to talk to him and explain things, unlike his own father who has
little time for him. It is not surprising, therefore, that Bob sees Shane as the ideal man and a true hero.

Bob wants to follow Shane everywhere he goes. As a result, he always has a ringside seat when Shane
gets into a fight. He watches as his hero defeats Chris and Morgan. He also sees him shoot Wilson and
Fletcher. He is amazed at the strength, power, and coordination that Shane displays. Like Marian and Joe,
Bob is crushed when Shane goes away. Unfortunately, because of his young age, he has a harder time
understanding his hero’s departure. Long after Shane leaves, Bob still thinks about him often, and the
memories always make him happy.