Struggling rancher and Civil War veteran seeking to pay off a debt to secure his farm and family future. He joins a posse to escort Ben Wade to prison, enduring ambushes and violence. He ultimately convinces Wade to honor their agreement, achieving his mission at the cost of his own life.
They cooperate first in treating McElroy and then in the escort mission.
Dan brings the wounded McElroy to Potter, and Potter later joins the posse transporting Wade.
Their opposing values gradually develop into mutual recognition.
Dan escorts Wade toward the 3:10 train, while Wade's criminal reputation and resistance make him the central opposing force in Dan's mission.
Hollander's financial control threatens Dan's farm and family.
Dan owes money to Hollander, and Hollander's men burn Dan's barn and scatter his cattle as a warning.
Butterfield employs Dan for the dangerous prison escort.
Butterfield hires a posse to transport Wade, and Dan asks for payment to participate in the delivery.
Dan's intervention enables McElroy to join the escort posse.
After the stagecoach robbery, Dan rescues the surviving McElroy and brings him to Doc Potter for treatment.
They share the escort assignment before Tucker is killed.
Tucker is hired to join the posse that Dan helps assemble at Evans's ranch.
Charlie becomes Dan's lethal enemy during the final town escape.
Charlie leads the attack against Wade's captors and later shoots Dan despite Wade's order to stop.
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