Conversation so far:
Who created The Shadow?
Circulation manager Henry William Ralston of Street & Smith commissioned Walter B. Gibson to begin writing stories about The Shadow.
How did The Shadow become The Shadow?
In print, The Shadow's real name is Kent Allard, a famed aviator who fought during World War I. After WWI, Allard finds a new challenge in waging war on criminals.
Who is Lamont Cranston in relation to The Shadow?
One of the identities Allard assumes—indeed, the best known—is that of Lamont Cranston, a wealthy young man-about-town.“
Who is Kent Allard?
In print, The Shadow's real name is Kent Allard and he was a famed aviator who fought for the French during World War I.

Question: Is Cranston a villain?
Self-contained rewrite: Is Lamont Cranston a villain?