Classic author Defoe (6)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
daniel
(Other definitions for daniel that I've seen before include "- Defoe, English writer" , "Hebrew prophet rescued from lion's den" , "-- Defoe; -- Barenboim" , "Lions' den survivor" , "Biblical prophet thrown into the lion's den" .)