J. Daniel Atlas was a very gifted and fairly well-known street magician. He performed with, and later without, his beautiful assistant, Henley Reeves, who left to pursue her own dreams after a rift between them. This rift was possibly caused by their frequent fights, as well as their increasing attraction and tension.As a horseman, Daniel Atlas was recognized as the ringleader of the group of talented magicians. His teammates have expressed varying opinions of him Merritt and Henley see him as a control freak, whereas Jack admires and idolizes him.