As the protagonist of the story, Jack Potter is a man of contradictions. In some ways, he embodies the traits associated with the stereotypical western hero: He is the town’s law enforcement officer and, therefore, “important” and “known, liked, and feared” in his community (18). Furthermore, he is motivated by a sense of duty to his constituents and aware of his image as the town’s protector. However, this role disempowers him in some crucial respects: “Potter’s thoughts of his duties to his friends, or their idea of his duty, made him feel he was sinful” (18). On the one hand, Potter is supposed to be his own man, a community member of such stature and repute that he should have to answer to no one. On the other hand, he has fewer freedoms than the average citizen of Yellow Sky and is expected to seek their approval, and even permission, for life choices they take for granted, such as the decision to marry.

Likewise, his sense of courage is situational, not a stable or unwavering characteristic. In the face of physical danger, he is courageous. Despite being unarmed, he expresses no fear when Scratchy points a gun at his chest and indicates his intention to shoot him.