The Virginian-The character

The Virginian is the main character of both the television series as well as the Owen Wister novel. His actual name is never revealed in either the tv series, or the book

The Virginian in the Novel
The Virginian in the novel is a ranch hand who eventually becomes the foreman of  The Sunk Creek Ranch at Medicine Bow, Wyoming. He and Trampas are enemies in the novel

The Virginian in the Television Series
The Virginian is established as the foreman of the Shiloh Ranch in Medicine Bow, Wyoming. He was born in Fairfax, Virginia. He is played by James Drury. He was born in Fairfax County, Virginia. Unlike the novel, Trampas is the Virginian's right hand man as well as one of his best friends.