A determined cattle rancher who leads a massive drive from Texas to Missouri. His authoritarian leadership and obsession with the herd spark a violent mutiny with his adopted son, culminating in a tense confrontation in Abilene before they finally reconcile.
Tess directly challenges Dunson's determination and conditions her cooperation.
Tess confronts Dunson about his pursuit and demands that he stop chasing the adopted son before she will accept his offer.
Dan works under Dunson's leadership as part of the cattle-driving crew.
Dan Latimer is identified as a drover on Dunson's cattle drive, and he dies during the stampede caused by the chuckwagon accident.
Fen is Dunson's partner before he leaves to establish his ranch.
At the story's outset, Fen is described as Dunson's romantic partner. He gives her his mother's bracelet and asks her to wait for him.
Dunson employs Cherry as an armed specialist on the drive.
Cherry Valance joins the cattle drive as a professional gunman after Dunson begins driving the herd toward Missouri.
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