Character Relationships in Shane

Marian Starett (played by Jill Ireland) is a protagonist in Shane. Marian is a young widow who lives with her father-in-law, Tom, and has already shared part of her life with Shane when the story begins. Their unspoken romantic feelings form the series-long subplot, although she does not dare make the first move and Shane gives no clear sign of romantic interest. Joey Starett (played by Christopher Shea) is a protagonist in Shane. Joey is the boy in Marian's household and strongly idolizes Shane. His admiration helps establish Shane as an important presence in the family and reinforces the emotional connection between them. Joey is also part of the central domestic situation surrounding Marian, Shane, and Tom. Shane (played by David Carradine) appears in Shane. Shane is the central lead, a gunfighter trying to leave his violent past behind while living with Marian, Joey, and Tom. Despite that wish, he frequently resorts to his gun, causing homesteaders to view him as both a defender and a danger. His restrained feelings for Marian drive the main romantic subplot. Tom Starett (played by Tom Tully) appears in Shane. Tom is Marian's father-in-law and part of the household where Shane has already been living when the story starts. He approves of a possible relationship between Shane and Marian. Tom also recognizes Shane's dependence on violence, comparing his attachment to the gun with Tom's own addiction to alcohol.