While this work is presented as "historical fiction," all the characters represent are real individuals. No names have been changed. Every incident actually occurred and is related as the author, having done extensive research, believes it to have occurred. Even the personalities and attitudes of the characters are portrayed as accurately as possible. No liberties have been taken with established facts. Indeed, the only reasons for labeling this work as "fiction," rather than as "history," are that the author has chosen to tell the story in Bat Masterson's own voice and has made liberal use of made-up dialog.