In The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Tom Doniphon secretly shoots and kills Liberty Valance to protect Ransom Stoddard and allow civilization to flourish in their town. Throughout the film, the characters of Tom and Liberty represent the lawless wilderness, while Ransom represents civilization. Though Tom believes in the wilderness, he realizes Ransom will help the town prosper and make Hallie happy. So Tom lets the town believe Ransom, not him, shot Liberty Valance in order to help the future of the town and Hallie's relationship with Ransom.