How do Ponyboy's relationships with Darry and Sodapop differ in The Outsiders?

The Outsiders is told from Ponyboy's perspective, so readers don't have a good understanding of Darry until later in the book when Ponyboy finally better understands Darry. What we do know early on in the story is that Darry has a lot going for him. He is smart, athletic, and a very good looking young man.

Darry was too smart to be a greaser.

Ponyboy knows that if any of the greasers has a chance for getting out of their lot in life and making something of themselves, Darry is the best bet. College is a realistic possibility, because his athleticism and smarts are both things that could see him into and through a college degree. From that point forward, the possibilities for Darry to have a solid career are nearly endless.

Unfortunately, Darry, Soda, and Ponyboy have been dealt a very tough situation. Both of their parents were killed in a car crash, and Darry was forced to make a choice. He could look after himself, or he could look after his family. There was a real possibility that the brothers could have been split up and sent off to different foster homes.

If the judge decides Darry isn't a good guardian or something, I'm liable to get stuck in a home somewhere. That's the rotten part of this deal. Darry is a good guardian; he makes me study and knows where I am and who I'm with all the time.

Ponyboy's admission shows readers that he is fully aware that Darry gave up a bright future so that the family could stay together. Ponyboy has a lot of emotions about this situation. On one hand, he is very humbled by Darry's decision; however, Ponyboy also feels guilty, because he thinks that he and Soda are holding Darry back. Ponyboy does end up realizing that Darry's decision to care for the family was based on love for his brothers rather than out of pure obligation.

Darry did care about me, maybe as much as he cared about Soda, and because he cared he was trying too hard to make something of me. When he yelled "Pony, where have you been all this time?" he meant "Pony, you've scared me to death. Please be careful, because I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you."

What is the relationship between Cherry and Ponyboy in The Outsiders?

Cherry Valance, the Soc cheerleader, is the girlfriend of Bob Sheldon, the Soc who is killed by Johnny Cade during their confrontation in the park in which the Socs try to drown Ponyboy. Ponyboy had met Cherry earlier at the drive-in theatre. Cherry and her friend, Marcia, sat with Johnny and Pony during the movie, and the two boys stood up to Dallas Winston when he tried to come on to Cherry. She was impressed with their courage when they faced Dally, who Cherry knew by reputation.

Pony and Cherry were only friends, or "soul mates," if you will. Cherry was several years older than Pony, but they both seemed to understand each other and shared a few of the same likes, particularly sunsets. Cherry later served as a "spy" for the greasers on the night of the rumble and, more importantly, testified on Ponyboy's behalf when he went to court about Bob's murder.

Cherry and Ponyboy meet in chapter 2 while at the movies. Despite being a Soc, she is open-minded enough to judge Ponyboy and Johnny based on how they initially treat her. It's why she lets them sit with her and Marcia. During the course of the evening, she and Ponyboy talk to each other a lot, and it isn't a surface level "small talk" conversation. Cherry and Ponyboy get to the heart of the issue that "things are rough all over," and Greasers and Socs are essentially dealing with equal amounts of problems. I would say that the two characters become friends that care for the safety of each other. Sometimes readers think that there could be possible romantic feelings involved, but I have never gotten that vibe from Cherry. She swoons too much over other boys.

She looked at me quickly. "I could fall in love with Dallas Winston," she said. "I hope I never see him again, or I will."

I think that Ponyboy and Cherry's relationship never moves past friends from opposite sides of the track that can talk to each other about deep issues in private. Cherry isn't willing to risk her social reputation for Ponyboy. She is willing to secretly spy for the Greasers, but she wants no public association with them, and that includes Ponyboy.

"Ponyboy . . . I mean . . . if I see you in the hall at school or someplace and don't say hi, well, it's not personal or anything, but . . . "
"I know," I said.
"We couldn't let our parents see us with you all. You're a nice boy and
everything . . . "

Randy Adderson is a Soc and one of Bob Sheldon's best friends throughout the novel The Outsiders. Ponyboy, a Greaser, views Randy with contempt for attempting to drown him earlier in the novel. Randy and Ponyboy are natural enemies until they have a serious conversation in Chapter 7. Randy approaches Ponyboy at the Tasty Freeze and shows Ponyboy respect for saving the children in the burning church. Randy tells Pony that he was shocked to hear that a Greaser did something so heroic and selfless. Ponyboy says to Randy that being a Greaser had nothing to do with it, and Randy proceeds to tell Ponyboy why he won't be showing up to the rumble. Randy lets Ponyboy know that he thinks all the violence is useless and that he wants to run away. Ponyboy shows sympathy for Randy and tells him that he would help Randy if he could. After their conversation is over, Two-Bit makes a slick comment and refers to Randy as "Mr. Super-Soc" (Hinton 99). Ponyboy responds by saying, "He ain't a Soc...he's just a guy. He just wanted to talk" (Hinton 99). Ponyboy and Randy view each other as individuals who share similar perspectives. Although I would not classify them as friends, the are no longer enemies. Later on in the novel, Randy decides to testify at the hearing that Johnny acted in self-defense. Randy and Ponyboy are both able to reconcile their differences by the end of the novel but do not become close friends.

Describe the characters in the first chapter of The Outsiders and their relationships.

Ponyboy — In the first chapter, Ponyboy describes himself as having light-brown hair and greenish-gray eyes. He doesn't mind being alone and enjoys movies. Pony mentions that he also enjoys reading and is rather intelligent even though he makes bad decisions sometimes. He loves his brother Sodapop but does not get along with Darry. 

Sodapop — Pony says that Soda is sixteen years old and rarely opens a book. However, Sodapop understands Pony and is a caring individual. Pony describes Sodapop as being happy-go-lucky and says that he is continually smiling. Sodapop jokes around a lot and does not take life seriously. Sodapop is also very handsome and does not do drugs or drink.

Darry — Pony's oldest brother works long hours and is rather strict. Darry is muscular, and Pony describes him as being tough, cool, and smart. He rarely smiles and takes life seriously. Darry is very protective of his brothers but doesn't take into account their feelings.

Johnny — Johnny is described as being scared of his own shadow and has an awful homelife. He is also described as being the "gang's pet" and is viewed as everyone's kid brother.

Steve Randle — He is Sodapop's best friend and is described as being tacky and smart. He is an experienced thief who knows a lot about cars.

Two-Bit — He is the gang's oldest member and is described as being a "wisecracker." He is a tall kid who is continually making everyone laugh. His real name is Keith and Pony says that no one can get him to shut up.

Dally — Dally is a dangerous, tough boy who has no regard for authority. He is the definition of a criminal and has been to jail before. Dally is a bitter person and is considered the wildest boy in the gang.

Who is your favorite character in The Outsiders and why?

My favorite character in The Outsiders is Darrel Curtis. In the aftermath of the death of his parents, he has stepped up for his younger brothers, Ponyboy and Sodapop, in ways that not many 20 year old men would. He has forgone the opportunity to go to college on a football scholarship, despite having both the sporting ability and the brains to have excelled in this environment, in favor of working two jobs to keep him and his brothers together.

Despite the fact that he has many conflicts with Pony, it is evident that he cares a great deal about his brothers. When he is tough on Ponyboy, it only because he loves his brother and does not want him to get hurt. He is both strong willed and in possession of the serious nature required to hold the family together. He takes on just about all the housework and cooking and takes responsibility for his orphaned minor brothers in every way possible.

In spite of his current circumstances, it seems very clear that Darry will achieve something with his life. Despite being a Greaser, he has Soc-like characteristics, such as a clean-cut appearance, and fights only to showcase his athletic stature rather than for the sake of violence.

Darry is little more than a boy himself, yet he has been thrust into a man's role, and I would argue that he does a more admirable job than most people his age would have.

Ponyboy Curtis, the protagonist and narrator of The Outsiders, is a likely choice for favorite character. Because Ponyboy is the first-person narrator readers might expect him to present a positive and even boastful self-portrait. Instead, the author has created an effective characterization of a sensitive and introspective person. Ponyboy spends a fair amount of the narrative seeking insights into his personal situation and the deeply divided social world in which he is growing up.. Ponyboy’s natural intelligence is combined with modesty so that his character seems genuine. The family problems with which he struggles, as his brother tries to guide him in their parents’ absence, offer a believable background for the decisions he makes.

Through his eyes, the reader comes to understand the class divisions that underlie the Soc versus Greaser antagonism and why he feels compelled to support his friends in challenging, even violent circumstances. His relationships with the other youths, especially Dally and Johnny, show that he values loyalty and is willing to go the extra mile to support his friends. When he and Johnny are in legal trouble, Ponyboy is so concerned with the children trapped in the church that he goes back inside to free them rather than try to escape. Ponyboy’s intelligence combined with his insightful nature enable him finally to take advice from his older brother and his teacher. The reader can appreciate the difficult choices he made as reasons that he can now write about them and share his moving story.

Personally, I find Cherry Valance to be the most interesting, fascinating character in S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders. Cherry's authenticity and sincerity are what make her such an intriguing character, and many young girls can relate to her. As a popular Soc cheerleader, Cherry must maintain her reputation among her friends and present herself as a confident, attractive girl. Although Cherry seems like a poised teenager in control of every aspect of her life, she is vulnerable and reveals her insecurities to Pony when they meet at the drive-ins. I admire the way Cherry does not judge Pony for being a Greaser and opens up to him about her personal issues.

Many readers can relate to Cherry's experience in high school by being a participant in one big rat race and constantly competing in a popularity contest. Her character gives Pony a peek behind the Socs' curtain of aloofness when she explains that things are "rough all over." I am also fascinated by Cherry's love for Dally, the classic bad boy, and willingness to help the Greasers before the rumble. The fact that she is a wholesome, vulnerable girl attracted to bad boys contributes to her authenticity. Cherry Valance's genuine nature, vulnerability, and tolerant personality are what make her my favorite character in the story.

In my opinion, I would have to say my favorite character in The Outsiders is Dallas Winston. Dally is the toughest member of the Greasers and lives by his own rules. His unapologetic attitude and wild lifestyle are intriguing. Dally is more than just a typical thug. As the novel unfolds, Dally's true character is revealed. Similar to most adolescents who grow up in broken homes and are exposed to the street life at a young age, Dally develops a callous personality to protect his spirit. Dally's outlandish behavior and anti-establishment disposition make him one of the novel's most memorable characters. His affinity for Johnny and willingness to help Ponyboy in a time need displays his loyalty and character. Dally tells Johnny that he doesn't want him to go to prison because he will end up like him. Dally's comments portray him as an introspective individual. Dally is aware that he has become emotionally unattached and lives a fast life because he has no purpose. His understanding of himself and compassion towards his fellow gang members make him a sympathetic character. Also, Dally's anger makes him an unpredictable character, which is why he is exciting to read about. One could not predict that Dally would pull an unloaded gun out in front of police and get shot. Dally's death also makes him a tragic character. Dallas Winston is one of literature's most intriguing characters and is my favorite person in the novel The Outsiders.

Describe the relationship between Ponyboy, Sodapop, and Darry in The Outsiders.

Initially, Darry and Pony's relationship is confrontational, but they end up working out their differences by the end of the novel. 

Ponyboy is Darry's younger brother. Ponyboy believes that Darry doesn't care about him, and tries to avoid his older brother. Ponyboy views Darry with contempt and thinks Darry is too hard on him. He favors Sodapop over Darry and doesn't appreciate that Darry continually bosses him around.

Darry views Ponyboy as a naive adolescent who doesn't use his head. Darry is worried about his brother's well-being and tends to overreact when Ponyboy makes bad decisions. Darry was forced to care for his brothers after their parents died in a car accident and has no prior experience performing the role of primary caregiver. Instead of listening to Ponyboy and treating him with compassion, Darry openly expresses his anger towards his youngest brother. Ponyboy resents the fact that Darry slapped him and ends up running away.

Sodapop is the mediator between Darry and Pony. He is close to Ponyboy, but also supports Darry. He struggles choosing sides between his two brothers when they fight. 

At the end of the novel, Sodapop tires of listening to Darry and Ponyboy fight, so he runs out of the house. After Darry and Pony catch up to him, Sodapop explains how their arguments negatively affect him. Darry eventually learns that he needs to be more sensitive to Pony's needs and treat him with more respect. In addition, Ponyboy gains insight into his brother's sacrifice and love for him.

What is the relationship between Johnny and Ponyboy in The Outsiders?

While Ponyboy Curtis is the protagonist in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, Johnny Cade plays a crucial role.  Johnny's abuse at the hands of his parents and the Socs highlights the injustice and pain present not only in his life, but also in the lives of all of the Greasers.  Through Johnny's death, the reader is also able to see the true nature of other characters.

In the beginning of the story, Ponyboy describes Johnny Cade as "a little dark puppy that has been kicked too many times and is lost in a crowd of strangers" and adds that Johnny "was the gang's pet, everyone's kid brother." According to Ponyboy, no one cared for Johnny except the Greasers.  Clearly, Ponyboy felt responsible for Johnny and wanted to protect him.

Despite his apparent weakness, Johnny was fiercely protective of, and loyal to, Ponyboy and seemed to consider him a brother, as well.  When Bob, Randy, and the other Socs attack the two Greasers, Johnny kills Bob in order to save Ponyboy's life, as well as his own.  Later, Johnny does his best to comfort and protect Ponyboy; he allows Ponyboy to use his legs as a pillow, cuts Ponyboy's hair to alter his appearance, and saves Ponyboy's life a second time by shoving him out the window of the burning church.  Johnny sacrificed himself to save someone he loved.

All in all, I would say that Johnny and Ponyboy had a brotherly relationship and loved one another very much.  Each was willing to put himself in harm's way in order to spare the other.

In The Outsiders, how is Dally similar to Darry and what does Dally give the boys?

Dally and Darry are similar in that they are both leaders. Though their styles and leadership qualities are different, the greasers look to them both for guidance. Darry's physical strength and size as well as his inner strength are meaningful to the other boys, and because Darry is older than many of the boys, he takes on the role of a father figure.

Dally, on the other hand, has a dangerous history of being in urban gangs and living a life independently of others, so his ability to survive means he knows something about how to look after himself. It is Dally's self-reliance that intimidates other greasers and inspires them to admire him and listen to him when he has advice to give. These leadership qualities aren't as obvious as Darry's, but they still exert power over the other greasers despite their rugged appearance.

Dally gives the boys, especially Ponyboy and Johnny, advice and support when they are in trouble. He coaches them on how to survive, and he gives them very specific information about where to go and how to look inconspicuous. Dally also models quiet, hard strength for the boys, which means he gives them an example of how to rely on oneself.

The Outsiders is a novel that is primarily based upon the strength of its characters. The characters of Dally Winston and Darry are similar in that they are both characterized as being extremely strong figures. They overcome their surroundings and never let their situation get the better of them. Ponyboy looks up to his older brother Darry as is seen by the nicknames he has for him. Dally serves this same purpose for Johnny. Johnny has no family and replaces that with the gang. Dally his his father figure. Dally, much like Darry with Ponyboy, does not want Johnny to "get hard" and lose that boyish innocence like he did so long ago. Dally is mean. This is why Ponyboy states that out of all the members of the gang, he "liked Dally the least". However, this is what he gives to Johnny and why Johnny admires him as he compares him to the southern gentlemen riding gallantly "into sure death" in Gone with the Wind.

Who are the main characters in The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton?

The main characters in S.E. Hinton's novel of the conflict between the wealthy Socs and their adversaries on the opposite end of the socioeconomic spectrum, the Greasers, are the Curtis brothers, Darrel, Sodapop and Ponyboy. These three brothers, orphaned following their parents' death in an automobile accident, are struggling to stay together, but are in perpetual conflict with each other. Darrel, or Darry, is the oldest and is forced to act the role of parent to Ponyboy, the youngest, a 14-year-old teenager whose intelligence and sensitivity provides the perspective through which Hinton's story is told. Early in the opening chapter of The Outsiders, Ponyboy, the narrator, describes the three Curtis brothers as follows:

"Darry's gone through a lot in his twenty years, grown up too fast. Sodapop'll never grow up at all. I don't know which way's the best. I'll find out one of these days."

In addition to the Curtis brothers, other main characters include Dallas Winston, described by Ponyboy as "the real character of the gang . . .  I used to like to draw his picture when he was in a dangerous mood, for then I could get his personality down in a few lines." Dallas, or Dally, is among the more hardened of the Greasers, and proves integral to the novel's evolution. It is Dallas who is instrumental in helping Ponyboy and another major character, Johnny, escape to the church that will prove fateful later in the story. Johnny is Ponyboy's best friend, and a child hardened by the beating he endured at the hands of rival Socs while retaining his youthful innocence and sensitivity. 

In addition to the above, other key characters are Cherry, a pretty Soc whose rapport with Ponyboy allows for a semblance of understanding and interaction across battle lines that helps each develop greater empathy for the other, Bob, Cherry's sometimes-boyfriend whose sadism, illustrated when he holds Ponyboy's head under water, prompting Johnny's killing of Bob, is more felt than seen, as Cherry discusses Bob's other, more compassionate side to Ponyboy following his death, and Two-Bit Mathews, another Greaser and "the oldest of the gang and the wisecracker of the bunch . . . famous for shoplifting and his black-handled switchblade." Two-Bit earned his moniker for his habit of always having to get "his two-bits worth" in any conversation.

There are obviously other characters in Hinton's novel, but these are the main ones around whom the story revolves.

Who are Ponyboy's brothers in The Outsiders?

Ponyboy and his brother Darry have a complex and often conflict-laden relationship. As the oldest of the siblings, Darry struggles to financially and emotionally take care of his younger brothers, and Pony is too young throughout most of the novel to appreciate how difficult this responsibility is. Darry has no parenting experience—he's learning on the job, and he isn't perfect. Just before Pony takes off with Johnny, Darry hits him one evening when tensions mount:

He should never yell at Soda. Nobody should ever holler at my brother. I exploded. "You don't yell at him!" I shouted. Darry wheeled around and slapped me so hard that it knocked me against the door.

Suddenly it was deathly quiet. We had all frozen. Nobody in my family had ever hit me. Nobody. Soda was wide-eyed. Darry looked at the palm of his hand where it had turned red and then looked back at me. His eyes were huge. "Ponyboy..."

I turned and ran out the door and down the street as fast as I could. Darry screamed, "Pony, I didn't mean to!" but I was at the lot by then and pretended I couldn't hear. I was running away. It was plain to me that Darry didn't want me around. And I wouldn't stay if he did. He wasn't ever going to hit me again.

Later, Pony and Darry find an easier relationship after they suffer even more loss in their group of Greaser friends.

Soda and Pony have an easier relationship, in part because Soda just seems to get along with everyone. Pony relates this early in the novel:

His eyes are dark brown—lively, dancing, recklessly laughing eyes that can be gentle and sympathetic one moment and blazing with anger the next. He has Dad's eyes, but Soda is one of a kind. He can get drunk in a drag race or dancing without
ever getting near alcohol. In our neighborhood it's rare to find a kid who doesn't drink once in a while. But Soda never touches a drop—he doesn't need to. He gets drunk on just plain living. And he understands everybody.

Pony feels that Soda always has his back and that he could even be a Soc if he wanted. Soda has never cared for school and is content with blue collar work, although he pushes his intelligent younger brother to continue going to school because he realizes that Pony is smarter. Soda seems to live a problem-free life (Socs excepted) until near the end, when Pony learns that everyone, even Soda, carries heavy weights sometimes.

His two brothers have very different personalities, but Pony learns that he needs both to lean on in the absence of his parents.

What is Ponyboy's relationship with each of his brothers in The Outsiders?

Ponyboy has a difficult relationship with his oldest brother, Darry. Darry is twenty years old and the head of the Curtis household. He has the enormous responsibility of raising Ponyboy and providing for both of his brothers. Darry is not as charismatic as Sodapop and struggles to connect with Ponyboy. As a naive teenager, Ponyboy initially believes that Darry does not love him and takes offense whenever Darry gets on him about his grades and obeying his curfew. Ponyboy continually argues with Darry and views him as an authoritarian.

In contrast, Ponyboy has a healthy relationship with Sodapop. Ponyboy feels that Sodapop understands him better and appreciates the fact that Sodapop sticks up for him whenever Darry gives him a hard time. Sodapop is more friendly/sympathetic towards Ponyboy than Darry and acts as a mediator in the family. As the novel progresses, Ponyboy discovers that Darry does truly love him but has a hard time expressing his genuine feelings. By the end of the novel, Sodapop encourages both of his brothers to get along and Darry and Ponyboy agree to stop arguing on a regular basis.

His relationship with Darry is almost like one with a father.  He feels more distant from him than he does from Soda.  That's one reason why they fight so much -- Darry is trying to act like a father to Ponyboy and that is hard on both of them.

What other things has Dally loved besides Johnny in The Outsiders?

Even though Ponyboy describes Dallas Winston as hard and cold and full of hatred, there are things that Dally loves in life. He loves to fight, having gained plenty of experience on the streets of New York City. He is proud of his jail record and the extensive file on him at the local police station. He likes driving Buck Merrill's T-Bird, and he

... always did like to drive fast, as if he didn't care whether he got where he was going or not.

He likes Cherry Valance, but he realizes that their differences--he is a greaser, she is a Soc--are too great for any lasting relationship. Perhaps most of all, Dally likes horses; Buck is his rodeo partner, and Dally also is a jockey--"the only thing Dally did honestly."

How are Dally and Bob from The Outsiders similar?

Both Dally and Bob are among the most hot-headed and violent members of the greasers and the Socs in S. E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders. Both boys are seemingly very different: Dallas Winston grew up on the streets of New York and is proud of his lengthy juvenile police record; he has even spent some time in jail. Bob Sheldon is a wealthy older teen who is not new to trouble but who has apparently never been arrested for his misdeeds. (It is the ring-laden Bob who beats Johnny Cade so severely prior to the retelling of the novel.)

Dally and Bob are both downright mean, although their kinder moments are also revealed. Dally has a soft spot for Johnny Cade, and he is devastated after Johnny dies. Bob's girlfriend, Cherry Valance, relates that Bob is sweet and friendly when he hasn't been drinking. Cherry herself is attracted to both boys. But for the most part, they are the two most violent members of their respective gangs. Bob uses alcohol and his fists to fuel his hatred of the greasers; his large rings are an identifying trademark. He seems to take pleasure in stalking and attacking outnumbered greasers. Dally also enjoys fights, and he has been known to use a knife when necessary; he also owns a handgun. His hatred of the Socs is equal to Bob's dislike of the greasers. Both eventually die through their own violent, seemingly uncontrollable actions.

Though outwardly they seem to be polar opposites, Dally and Johnny share important similarities in The Outsiders that link them together throughout the novel. First, both came from abusive, neglectful families. Dally never mentions his mother, and the only time he mentions his father, he says,

Shoot, my old man didn’t give a hang whether I’m in jail or dead in a car wreck or drunk in the gutter.

Johnny says he prefers it when his father hits him, because then he feels recognized:

I walk in that house, and nobody says anything. I walk out, and nobody says anything. I stay away all night, and nobody notices. . . I ain't got nobody.

For both boys, then, the Greasers serve as a surrogate family. Johnny is the gang's pet, without whom he "would never have known what love and affection are." He is described as a "puppy," a soft and gentile soul who shouldn't be caught up in a gang. Dally, on the other hand, is a hardened street kid who has earned the gang's respect as its roughest, toughest member. He is described as having eyes "cold with hatred of the whole world." Johnny looks up to Dally as a kind of role model because of his ability to adapt without any family. Dally, conversely, takes Johnny under his wing and tries to toughen him up.

Each boy, in his own way, remains true to his character. This leads each of them to their deaths. Johnny, a sensitive lad who reads poetry with his best friend Ponyboy, is killed when he goes back into a burning church to save children, and the church roof collapses on him. Dally, who grew up on the "wild side" of New York and was first arrested at age 10, now distraught with grief over Johnny's death, consequently commits suicide by robbing a store and then provoking police officers into gunning him down. When Johnny is killed, Dally loses the one person in the world whom he truly loves. He cannot handle this, and with no parents to offer support, he reverts to what he instinctively knows: crime. The police can be seen as parental figures in this light. Dally is upset, and he wants to be punished for not being able to protect Johnny. Lacking a real parent/father to punish him, he turns to the only symbol of authority he knows.

What are the similarities and differences between Darry and Ponyboy in The Outsiders?

Ponyboy and Darry have many subtle similarities and differences between them. First, they are brothers, and they both have the same experience of losing their parents, though they sometimes deal with it differently. Still, the experience has changed them both. They both identify as greasers. The two brothers look very different physically, however, as Darry has a muscular physique, dark brown hair, and eyes like ice. Ponyboy, on the other hand, is smaller and slight, with light brown hair and greenish eyes.

In temperament and personality, they are very different as well. Darry sometimes becomes angry with Ponyboy when he feels that Ponyboy isn't taking everything seriously, because Darry is much older than he is and tries to be as “grown up” as possible. He attempts to care for Ponyboy and keep him out of trouble, which doesn’t always work, because Ponyboy has a mind of his own; in fact, trouble seems to find both of them. Ponyboy spends a lot of time dreaming and pursuing more creative endeavors, and Darry sometimes gets annoyed with him because of that.

Since Darry had to grow up too soon in order to take care of Ponyboy and keep him out of foster care, he doesn’t have the same opportunities that Ponyboy will in life. Darry is smart and received a scholarship based on his performance in sports, but he had to give it up. Ponyboy is intelligent and has the brains to make something of himself in the future, but he doesn’t always want the same things as Darry.

Darry has been hardened by the responsibilities that fell on him, while Ponyboy has been softened by losing his parents. Still, both of the boys are very proud of each other; they share that sentiment in common.

Who is the most loyal character in The Outsiders?

Loyalty is an important theme in The Outsiders, and there are many times that loyalty is both demonstrated and tested in the book. The illustrations of how loyal the gang can be to one another are contrasted against how disloyal some individuals can be and how disloyal others outside of the gang are. This shows why the greasers have chosen to be in this gang, which is like a family and offers them physical and emotional safety.

The most loyal of the characters in S. E. Hinton's book is Johnny Cade, who is loyal to the group almost to a fault. Ponyboy often touts the importance of loyalty when in a gang like theirs. Loyalty is key to survival: it is necessary in order to keep them together and safe. There are several times in the book where the greasers are dependent upon one another, and Johnny usually comes through as the one who can be counted on.

When Ponyboy is being taunted and abused by the Socs, Johnny comes to his defense, sticking up for him and protecting him from them. Even when Dally is in the wrong and is harassing Cherry and Marcia at the drive-in, Johnny stands up for Dally instead of the Soc girls. He believes that they should be there for each other no matter what. Johnny even helps Ponyboy when Ponyboy goes into the burning building to save the children, because he won't let his friend go in alone. Tragically, this act leads directly to Johnny's death.

How can each of the Greasers in The Outsiders be considered a "hero"?

Dictionary.com defines hero as "a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character." That seems like a pretty safe place to start, so we'll use that as our basis of determination.

Ponyboy: Ponyboy is willing to see beyond class boundaries, reaching out to Cherry and Marcia at the movies. He also perseveres through the deaths of his parents and in trying to maintain a difficult relationship with Darry. Most notably, he is a true friend to Johnny and helps save the kids from the fire, literally putting his life on the line to do so. It doesn't get much more heroic than that. An example of a heroic Ponyboy quote is in Chapter 9:

There isn't any real good reason for fighting except self-defense.

Darry: As the oldest brother, Darry is left in charge when the boys's parents die. Before this, he had a different life. He is extremely good looking, had a chance to go to college, and was incredibly athletic. At one point, he had the chance to move beyond Greaser existence. However, now he is pretty much stuck (at least for now) making sure Soda and Pony are taken care of. This creates a serious, moody, and even sometimes violent Darry, but in the end, he is sacrificing a lot for his family, and that is certainly noble.

Sodapop: Pony adores Soda, who is warm and open with him. Sodapop drops out of high school to help support their family, which snows nobility in character. When he finds out Sandy is pregnant with another man's baby, he offers to be the father she needs—again quite noble. And Soda really values the family he has left and is willing to do anything to make sure that they not only stay together but stay close. A heroic Soda quote that shows this is found in Chapter 12:

It's just . . . I can't stand to hear y'all fight . . . Sometimes I have to get out or . . . It's like a middleman in a tug o' war and I'm being split in half . . . We're all we've got left. We ought to be able to stick together against anything. If we don't have each other, we don't have anything.

Two-Bit: Two-Bit keeps the gang laughing and enjoys going to school even though academics are not among his strongest talents. Still, it is easy to see how a social, easygoing guy would enjoy hanging out with lots of other kids at school. It would be easy to pass Two-Bit over as he doesn't seem to do anything especially heroic individually, but he does take care of Pony. He is compassionate to the loss Pony has suffered and takes Pony under his wing like a bonus big brother.

Steve: Steve is Soda's best friend, and he finds Pony an annoyance. He makes it clear that he'd rather not have Pony in the vicinity of their fun. Steve is a follower of the group and a static character overall. He doesn't really do anything himself to advance the plot, so I'm not sure you could make a case specific to his individual actions to classify him as a hero.

Dally: Dally likely isn't considered a hero for most of the book. After all, he has quite a long history with breaking the law and has even been known to "jump small kids." However, at the end, he does risk his life to save Johnny, and that shows a noble and courageous character. A courageous Dally quote is in Chapter 9:

I was crazy, you know that, kid? Crazy for wantin' Johnny to stay out of trouble, for not wantin' him to get hard. If he'd been like me he'd never have been in this mess.

Johnny: Johnny has lived a difficult life. His parents often abuse him, and Ponyboy notes that the gang is the only real sense of family that Johnny has ever known. In spite of that, Johnny believes in treating people kindly. When his idol, Dally, is giving Cherry and Marcia a hard time at the movies, it is Johnny who has the courage to put him in his place. He listens to all Ponyboy's dreams and supports them, and then he saves Pony's life by killing Bob. Whether that act is heroic or not is up for debate. However, he does save the children, which is certainly noble, and ends up losing his because of it. A courageous Johnny quote is in Chapter 6:

It ain't fair for Ponyboy to have to stay up in that church with Soda and Darry worryin' about him all the time.

What additional problem did the brothers face and what happened to Pony after his return in The Outsiders?

When Ponyboy returns from the hospital, he discovers that Johnny is being charged with manslaughter and that he is supposed to appear at juvenile court for running away. The biggest concern for the Curtis brothers is that the authorities will split up their family by sending Pony to a boys home. They fear that the court system could decide that Darry is not responsible enough to take care of his brothers and end up putting Ponyboy in a placement home. Another concern for the Curtis brothers is the upcoming rumble against the Socs. They know that without Johnny and Dally they will be shorthanded and risk losing the rumble. Fortunately, the Greasers win the rumble, but it comes at a cost. Ponyboy suffers a serious concussion during the fight and is traumatized after witnessing the deaths of Johnny and Dally. During the court hearing, the judge allows Ponyboy to remain at home with Darry and Sodapop and does not break up the Curtis family.

I assume that you are referring to Ponyboy's return from the church on Jay Mountain near Windrixville, where he and Johnny had gone into hiding after Bob's death.

After the return of Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally from Windrixville, the Curtis brothers were forced to deal with the hospitalization of Johnny and Dally, who had been injured when Ponyboy and Johnny rescued several children from the burning church and Dally, in turn, saved Johnny's life.  Sadly, the gang also eventually had to cope with Johnny's death.  In addition, Soda's girlfriend, Sandy, moved to Florida due to her pregnancy; Ponyboy was injured in a rumble the night of Johnny's death; Johnny's mother made a scene at the hospital;  Dally committed suicide by tricking the police into shooting him; the brothers had to endure a court hearing in which the Socs said that Johnny had killed Bob and the Curtis brothers were allowed to stay together; and the brothers had to overcome the effects of the problems they had been through.

Why did Ponyboy and Cherry become good friends in The Outsiders?

Ponyboy is surprised that he and Cherry get along well because he has stereotyped Socs based on what he and his friends and family have experienced.  Ponyboy has not known any Socs to be kind or considerate, or even sensitive; he has not recognized the fact that Socs have problems, since he has only seen them as privileged in every sense.  Ponyboy has seen the cruelty that some of the Socs have shown people like Johnny Cade.  When Ponyboy and Cherry begin to get to know one another, he finds that she reveals a side of herself and possibly other Socs, that he had not considered:

..."I'll bet you think the Socs have it made.  The rich kids, the West-side Socs.  I'll tell you something, Ponyboy, and it may come as a surprise.  We have troubles you've never even heard of.  You want to known something?"  She looked me straight in the eye.  "Things are rough all over."

In The Outsiders, what is the relationship between Dally and Cherry, and Dally and Johnny?

Dally is a greaser and Cherry is a Soc. When Dally first meets Cherry at the drive-in movies, he is extremely rude to Cherry, and Cherry takes offense to Dally's behavior. When Dally buys her a Coke to "cool her off," she throws the drink back into his face. Cherry outwardly despises Dally and declines his offer to take her on a date later on in the novel. Cherry secretly confides in Ponyboy that she would marry Dallas Winston. Cherry looks up to Dally because he is confident and brave. She admires him for the way he disregards authority and lives life the way he wants to. Ponyboy knows that Cherry is afraid of loving Dally, which is why she acts cold towards him.

Dally is the wildest and meanest member of the greasers. Johnny is the second youngest member of the gang and is often referred to as the "gang's pet." Johnny idolizes Dally and Dally takes care of Johnny. When Johnny tells Dally that he's going to turn himself into the police, Dally gets angry because he doesn't want Johnny to turn "cold" the way he is. After this, Ponyboy realizes for the first time that Dally loves Johnny. Dally even enters the burning church to save Johnny.

Both relationships are similar to each other because in each situation the individuals never express their true feelings. Cherry will never tell Dally she loves him, and Dally will never say those words to Johnny. Both Cherry and Dally suppress their feelings because they are scared they will get hurt and are afraid of how others would view them. Cherry risks her friendship with the Socs to help out Dally and his gang, and Dally risks his life to save Johnny. Cherry and Dally express their feelings through their actions rather than voicing their emotions.

Who is the most honest character in The Outsiders?

This is a great question to consider. Of course, the good thing about a question like this is that you can actually answer it by suggesting any character you like, as long as you can back it up from the text. Of course, this novel does contain characters who are more honest than others, and there are definitely a number who learn more about themselves as the novel progresses. In my opinion, however, the character who I feel is most honest is Soda. Consider how he gives this frank assessment of himself at the end of the novel:

Ponyboy, I'm telling you the truth. I dropped out because I'm dumb. I really did try in school, but you saw my grades. Look, I'm happy working in a gas station with cars.

Soda is the one brother who is openly able to acknowledge his feelings for his brothers and his own situation, and is happy to declare it. It is his honesty that helps Darry and Ponyboy to overcome their problems and to work on their relationship. This is why I think there is a good argument for Soda being the most honest character.

What are the differences between Ponyboy and Darry in The Outsiders?

There are many differences between Ponyboy and Darry Curtis.  First of all, their looks are much different.  Ponyboy is much smaller than Darry, who is "six-feet-two, and broad-shouldered and muscular."  Ponyboy also has "light-brown, almost-red hair and greenish-gray eyes," while Darry has dark brown hair and "eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice." 

Darry is a much more logical thinker than Ponyboy.  Ponyboy is artistic and admits that he doesn't use his head as he should.  Darry "doesn't understand anything that is not plain hard fact." 

Darry, who was also athletic and popular (despite social factors), gave up his scholarship when his parents died. 

And now he didn't have time between jobs to even think about college.  So he never went anywhere and never did anything anymore, except work out at gyms and go skiing with some old friends of his sometimes.

Because of the sacrifices he has made, Darry is hard on Ponyboy and pushes him to excel at his studies.  Darry knows that Ponyboy has the intellect to succeed, while he had only physical skill.

The struggles of losing his parents and being responsible for his two younger brothers made Darry harder in many ways.  The challenges of being raised by his brothers and also losing his parents made Ponyboy softer (more artistic, more "feeling").

How are Ponyboy and Dally similar in four ways in The Outsiders?

It would initially seem that Ponyboy and Dallas Winston are completely opposite characters. After all, Ponyboy is known as being intelligent (though his brother says he's lacking in common sense), and Dally has been in trouble with the law several times. However, these friends do share some common ground:

1. They both face the world at a social disadvantage. Pony's parents have recently died, and he and his brothers are struggling to get by in every way. His oldest brother tries to keep a tight hold on Pony's activities because he fears that they will be split up. They boys have little economic resources and are known as the lower-class "Greasers" around town. Dally is part of the same social circle, and in various scenes in the novel, the two boys face the same social stigmas and prejudices.

2. They are both willing to do anything for Johnny. When Pony, Dally, and Johnny sit with Soc girls at a movie, Dally is relentless in his overbearing personality toward them. Johnny tells him to stop, and Dally does. Anyone else who crossed Dally (particularly in front of Socs) would have taken a beating. But Johnny is different for Dally, and Dally protects him until the very end. Johnny and Pony are close friends throughout the book, and Pony shares his greatest dreams with Johnny (like living in the country, where life must be much more simple). Johnny brings out the best in both Pony and Dally.

3. Both struggle to find ways to cope with grief. When Johnny dies, Dally takes measures to end his own life by robbing a grocery store and waving a gun at police. Pony reflects, "He was dead before he hit the ground. But I knew that was what he wanted . . . and he always got what he wanted" (chapter 10). Dally cannot face life without Johnny. Pony then has to face the loss of both Dally and Johnny and writes, "I wasn't scared. It was the oddest feeling in the world. I didn't feel anything—scared, mad, or anything. Just zero" (chapter 13). Because he has always struggled in a world that offers little emotional support, Pony faces a crisis in the aftermath as he tries to grapple with his emotions.

4. Both boys try to find ways to prove their worth. Pony looks to academics and writing as means to excel and finds a way to use his talents to tell the story of his friends. Dally uses brute strength to make his mark on the world but also values the way he can support his friends by doing so. This is one reason that he cannot cope with Johnny's death; he feels that he failed his friend and therefore has no worth.

The friendship of Dally and Ponyboy may originate in circumstance (particularly linked to their socioeconomic status) but they prove themselves close friends in their efforts to protect Johnny and learn that they do share common ground.

What does Cherry like about Ponyboy in The Outsiders?

Your best bet for info on this question is chapter 2.  That's when Ponyboy and Cherry first meet.  Her initial impression of Ponyboy is not good, because Ponyboy is with Dally.  Dally starts talking to Cherry and her friend in a rude and vulgar manner, and Cherry assumes that Ponyboy is there to do the same thing.  

The girl looked at me. I was half-scared of her. I'm half-scared of all nice girls, especially Socs. "Are you going to start in on us?"

Her opinion of Ponyboy quickly softens as she realizes that Ponyboy is not a threat to her.  She finds him remotely attractive too despite his young age.  

"Man, your brother is one doll. I might have guessed you were brothers--- you look alike."

But I think the main reason that Cherry likes Ponyboy is because she recognizes the fact that Ponyboy is intelligent and has the potential to be a deep thinker.  She sees that he is not like all of the other Greasers that she presently knows.  

Cherry was looking at me. "What's a nice, smart kid like you running around with trash like that for?"

I believe it is for that reason that Cherry opens up to Ponyboy and has some fairly deep conversations with him.  Cherry realizes that Ponyboy has the capacity to be more than the stereotypical Greaser, and I think that is why she develops a bond with him.  

What does Ponyboy realize about his relationship with Sodapop in The Outsiders?

Ponyboy doesn't get along with his oldest brother Darrell.  He and Darry argue about rules and priorities.  Darry wants Ponyboy to think more concretely, to plan all his days, to get good grades but to be athletic and active.  Ponyboy likes to daydream and think about philosophical matters, and reads and goes to movies more than Darry would like.

Through all this arguing, Sodapop is the shoulder that Ponyboy cries on.  He likes Sodapop because Soda listens to his ideas, shows interest in what he reads, etc..  Soda is sympathetic about Darry and helps to calm Darry down, often taking Ponyboy's side.  Soda is light-hearted and cheerful, and Pony enjoys his spirit.

However, what Ponyboy comes to realize is that while Soda is always there for him, he hasn't been there for Soda.  He doesn't ask Soda about his life, about Sandy, about how he is feeling.  He doesn't think about how the fighting between him and Darry might be hard for Soda, and that he is putting Soda in the middle:

I don't know, man. It's just like sometimes I have to get out. It's like I'm the middle man in a tug-of-war or something between you guys. I don't know, I can't take sides.

Ponyboy's realization about Sodapop shows that he is maturing.  He is starting to think about the situations and the feelings of people around him, to accept that "things are rough all over" and to be considerate of other people's challenges.

What are two similarities and three differences between Ponyboy and Darry in The Outsiders?

Darry and Ponyboy both differ in age and have different responsibilities and perspectives on life. Darry is twenty years old while Ponyboy is fourteen. Darry works two jobs and is responsible for taking care of his younger brothers while Ponyboy is a high school student who needs to focus on passing his classes. Darry takes life seriously and does not have free time to mess around with his friends. Pony describes Darry as a strict person, and views himself as more easy going individual. Ponyboy is just an adolescent who is trying to figure life out.

Despite their many differences, Ponyboy and Darry share a few similarities. They are both intelligent individuals who were successful athletes. Ponyboy is a rising track star at his school and Darry excelled on the football field when he was younger. 

Who has a strong relationship with Ponyboy in The Outsiders?

Ponyboy is the protagonist of the novel The Outsiders and shares a very close relationship with his brother, Sodapop. Sodapop is a fun-loving, easy-going sixteen-year-old who treats Ponyboy with respect and compassion. Soda constantly makes Ponyboy smile, and Pony admires his brother for his good looks and positive attitude. Sodapop is always quick to come to Ponyboy's aid and defends him when Darry begins to argue and yell at Ponyboy. In Chapter 1, Ponyboy says, "Soda always takes up for me" (Hinton 12). Ponyboy also appreciates that Soda doesn't treat him like a child the way that Darry does. Although Ponyboy bellieves Soda will never grow up and is embarrassed Soda dropped out of school, Pony believes Soda is the only person who truly understands him. Ponyboy goes on to say, "I love Soda more than I've ever loved anyone, even Mom and Dad" (Hinton 3). At the end of The Outsiders, Sodapop finally addresses Darry and Pony's controversial relationship, allowing the brothers to become even closer than they were before. Without Sodapop's support and positive attitude, Ponyboy would not be able to live in the same home as Darry. 

List the main characters and their characteristics in The Outsiders.

Johnny is the quiet kid who ends up stabbing a Soc after he and Ponyboy were jumped. He has really soft features, quiet, and "a beaten puppy-dog" way about him.

Darrel(Darry) is the oldest brother and in charge of keeping all of the brothers together ever since their parents died. He is more mature than the rest of the guys and doesn't really like the whole gang-aspect of their lives. He physically is a pretty big guy and a looker at that.

Ponyboy is a natural softie. Although he lives the greaser lifestyle, he is very into poetry, sunsets and conversation. He is a dreamer and a wonderer of things to come in his life. He thinks that Darry hates him and there is a lot of friction in their strained relationship. His looks are comparable to the other boys in his family (Darry and Soadapop) but he is not the most attractive of them all.

Dallas(Dally) is the heart of the gang in a way. He is the one who has been arrested, doesn't care about going back, and likes to cause a general problem where ever he goes. The only thing he loves is Johnny and when he dies, he loses it.

Who is the protagonist in The Outsiders?

In a literary work, the protagonist is the main character. Their interests are central to the outcome of the plot, and they stand in opposition to the antagonist. The protagonist may exhibit heroic characteristics or could even be an anti-hero. Some works use an ensemble or episodic format, in which there are multiple protagonists and antagonists.

In The Outsiders, the protagonist is Ponyboy Curtis, who is also the first-person narrator. Ponyboy is both part of a family of brothers, to whom he is very close, and a member of a group, often referred to as the Greasers gang. This novel does not have a singular antagonist, although Bob Sheldon does sometimes target Ponyboy. Rather, the Greasers are enemies of another group of boys: the Socs. The conflict between the two groups drives the action.

Why does Ponyboy share information with Cherry?

This question is rather vague, but I believe you are trying to ask why Ponyboy shares with Cherry the story of how Johnny got beat up by the Socs. In Chapter 2, Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally sneak into the drive-in movies, and Dally begins to harass two pretty girls named Marcia and Cherry. Johnny sticks up for the girls, and the boys sit next to them when Dally leaves. Ponyboy feels comfortable around Cherry because she does not view him with contempt like most Soc girls do. She smiles at him and tells him that she likes his unique name. Cherry tells Pony that she thinks he is sensitive, unlike the other greasers. Ponyboy has never met a Soc female who says she admires Dally, and he feels both physically and emotionally attracted to her. When Cherry asks Ponyboy to walk her to the concession stand, she says, "Johnny...he's been hurt bad sometime, hasn't he?" (Hinton 31) Ponyboy nervously tells her the story about how Johnny was brutally beaten by a gang of Socs four months earlier. Ponyboy tells her this story because he felt comfortable around Cherry and she seemed genuinely interested in why Johnny appeared to have emotional baggage. Pony admits that he doesn't like retelling the story, but there is something about Cherry's tolerant disposition that allows him to confide in her.

How do Ponyboy's relationships with Darry and Sodapop differ in The Outsiders?

From the opening passages of S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders, the distinctions between Ponyboy's two older brothers are made very apparent. Darryl, or "Darry," is Ponyboy's 20-year-old brother and the oldest of the three Curtis brothers. A large, muscular man, Darry has been placed in the difficult position of raising his two younger siblings following the deaths of their parents in an automobile accident. Ponyboy's descriptions of Darryl paint a portrait of a boy forced to grow up too fast because of their parents' deaths and because of the rough, poverty-stricken neighborhood in which they live. It is Darryl who must ensure that the state allows the boys to remain together despite the absence of their parents, and he takes his role very seriously. Sodapop, on the other hand, is Darryl's antithesis. Ponyboy's description of the second-oldest of the brothers does a fine job of illuminating the vast distinctions between the two older brothers:

". . .my second-oldest brother, Soda, who is sixteen-going-on-seventeen, never cracks a book at all, and my oldest brother, Darrel, who we call Darry, works too long and hard to be interested in a story or drawing a picture, so I'm not like them. . .Soda tries to understand, at least, which is more than Darry does. But then, Soda is different from anybody; he understands everything, almost. Like he's never hollering at me all the time the way Darry is, or treating me as if I was six instead of fourteen. I love Soda more than I've ever loved anyone, even Mom and Dad. He's always happy-go-lucky and grinning, while Darry's hard and firm and rarely grins at all. But then, Darry's gone through a lot in his twenty years, grown up too fast. Sodapop'll never grow up at all. I don't know which way's the best. I'll find out one of these days."

This lengthy passage depicts a triangular relationship among the three very-different brothers that accounts for the less-than-harmonious environment that exists in the boys' home. Darryl, the surrogate parent, feels responsible for Ponyboy's proper upbringing, and imposes discipline and expectations as would a responsible parent, which naturally engenders occasional ill-will between him and Ponyboy. If Darryl is the serious-minded surrogate parent, however, Sodapop, or Soda, is the antithesis, a handsome, happy-go-lucky type who is nevertheless sensitive and thoughtful, especially where his two brothers are concerned. And it is Sodapop who must arbitrate the disputes that invariably arise between his older and younger brothers. Despite that emotional burden, though, he is an upbeat teenager whose demeanor is best expressed by Ponyboy in this opening chapter of Hinton's novel:

"Soda is one of a kind. He can get drunk in a drag race or dancing without ever getting near alcohol. In our neighborhood it's rare to find a kid who doesn't drink once in a while. But Soda never touches a drop--- he doesn't need to. He gets drunk on just plain living. And he understands everybody."

These dramatic distinctions between the brothers allow for a more fulfilling familial relationship for Ponyboy. If it is to Sodapop to whom Ponyboy looks for emotional support, however, it is the former's letter to the fugitive Ponyboy, hiding out with Johnny following the latter's killing of the Soc who was trying to drown Ponyboy, that reveals the bond between Darryl and Ponyboy. As Ponyboy reads Sodapop's letter, delivered by Dallas to the hiding place, the anguish confronting Darryl over Ponyboy's disappearance is palpable:

Darry and me nearly went nuts when you ran out like that. Darry is awful sorry he hit you. You know he didn't mean it. . . Darry hasn't got the slightest notion where you're at and it is nearly killing him."

Hinton's narrative leaves no question that Darryl feels very deeply the burden of raising his younger brothers, especially the rebellious Ponyboy. Just as obvious, however, is the depth of Darryl's love for his brothers. While Sodapop might be the one to whom Ponyboy confides, it is Darryl who fights, physically and emotionally, to keep the brothers together, and its Darryl's efforts that will remain with Ponyboy long after the events depicted in The Outsiders are long over.

In The Outsiders, which characters are juxtaposed besides Johnny and Dally?

A juxtaposition in literature refers to when an author places two elements of the text--in this case, characters--side by side to develop each one in more detail through contrast and comparison. Aside from Johnny and Dally, Hinton develops several other characters by juxtaposing them with characters with opposite personalities. Hinton juxtaposes Darry and Sodapop, which further develops each character. Darry is a driven individual who takes life seriously, while his brother, Sodapop, is a happy-go-lucky person who dropped out of high school. Darry is also athletic and works two jobs to provide for the family, while Sodapop works at a gas station and spends much of his time hanging out with his friend Two-Bit. Hinton also juxtaposes Randy Adderson and Bob Sheldon. Randy is a sympathetic, thoughtful individual who is opposed to violence, while Bob is portrayed as a callous, violent person.

What are the main differences between Darry and Ponyboy in The Outsiders?

The main difference between Ponyboy and his older brother Darry is that Darry feels as though he must be responsible and provide for his younger brothers.  To this end, he does not accept the football scholarship to go to college and takes a strenuous roofing job instead so he can be home for Sodapop and Ponyboy. Ponyboy, however, does not understand why Darry is so hard on him to succeed; he worries that his older brother only sees him as a burden:

"Darry thought I was just another mouth to feed and somebody to holler at?  Darry love me? [...] Darry doesn't love anyone or anything, except maybe Soda" (18).

Ponyboy's misconception of Darry's true feelings drives a rift between them.  Because of his limited perception, Ponyboy cannot appreciate how hard Darry works and the difficulty of trying to raise two younger brothers; similarly, Darry fails to see how his strict 'parenting' of Ponyboy has given his little brother the wrong impression of his true feelings.  Ultimately, Ponyboy and Darry both put their differences aside and come to realize how much they mean to each other by the end of the novel.

Who are the main Greaser characters in The Outsiders and what are their relationships?

In the novel, there are five prominent Greaser characters: Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers Darry and Sodapop, Johnny Cade, and Dallas Winston. Ponyboy is the narrator and at the beginning of the story, is only fourteen years old, the youngest of the gang. His oldest brother is Darry, who takes care of Ponyboy and Sodapop because the three of them are orphans. Darry is stern and responsible. Sodapop is the middle brother, who is good looking and happy-go-lucky. Everyone likes Soda. He isn't the smartest of the gang, but he gets along with everyone and always lightens the mood.

Johnny Cade is the second youngest of the group and is described as "the gang's pet, everyone's kid brother" (12). Johnny's father beats him and as a result, he is a quiet but very loyal friend. He is not the toughest of the gang, but Ponyboy is close to him and everyone watches out for him.

Dallas Winston (Dally) is the toughest member of the Greasers. Originally from New York, he is the closest thing to a real gang member. Ponyboy has a distanced awe of him, and the entire gang feels the same way. He is to be feared and revered. He has a criminal record and isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to make things right. In this way, he tends to take care of the gang in ways that others will not. He will go to any measure to help or protect any of the Greasers.

Who, besides Johnny, admired Dally in The Outsiders?

In Chapter 2, Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally sneak into the drive-ins to watch a movie. After they enter, Dally begins to annoy two Soc girls who are watching the movie, and Johnny sticks up for them by telling Dally to stop. Ponyboy and Johnny befriend the two girls, Cherry and Marcia, and Johnny asks Cherry why she wasn't scared of them like she was of Dally. Cherry tells them that they seem sweet, and Johnny mentions that Dally isn't such a bad guy. Ponyboy then comments that Dally would have left them alone if he knew them and Marcia responds by saying that she is glad Dally doesn’t know them. Cherry then comments, "I kind of admire him” (Hinton 24). Later on that night, Cherry and Marcia's boyfriends arrive to pick them up in a blue Mustang. Before leaving, Cherry looks at Ponyboy and says that she could fall in love with Dally and hopes that she never sees him again. Cherry is attracted to Dally's "bad-boy" persona and unique approach to life, but is afraid of loving him. She admires him because he doesn't care what other people have to say about him and does what he wants, when he wants.

What were Cherry's feelings towards Ponyboy in The Outsiders after their meeting?

After Cherry "cooly" dispenses of Dally, she asks Pony if he is "going to start in on us." When she sees that the "half-scared" Pony is "wide-eyed" and presents her no danger, she invites Pony and Johnny to join her. It soon becomes evident that Cherry likes dangerous boys: She is the the girlfriend of Bob Sheldon, the Soc with the rings who so savagely beat Johnny. She later reveals that she is attracted to Dally, despite his boorish manners. She also likes the idea of sitting with greasers, the enemies of her Soc friends. But she also likes Pony's unusual name, and she realizes that Pony is the brother of Soda, who she remembers used to saddle bronc in rodeos. Soda is "one doll," and she wins Pony over when she tells him that he and Soda "look alike." Cherry admires the two boys even more after Johnny defends her after Dally returns to harrass her some more, and she decides that they are both "too sweet to scare anyone." She finds Pony easy to talk to, that they are avid readers, that they are both dreamers, and that they share a love of sunsets. She also sees how both she and Pony are beset with typical teenage problems, and this serves as a permanent bond between them.

She smiled at me. "I never told anyone that. I think you're the first person I've ever gotten through to."  (Chapter 3)

Who are the main characters in The Outsiders and what do they want?

Ponyboy Curtis.  The main character and narrator of the story, Pony enjoys some of the aspects of being a greaser, but not the violence, poverty or social bias that goes with it. He yearns for the old life with his family before his parents are killed, and he still manages to dream about going to college, where he can utilize his writing skills.

Darry Curtis.  The oldest of the three Curtis brothers, Darry mainly tries to keep Pony and Soda in line so the family can remain together. He is forced to be the father figure of the family, and Pony particularly hates the strict manner in which Darry enforces his rules. Once a local football star, Darry has long since given up hope of ever utilizing the athletic scholarship he once had. 

Sodapop Curtis.  The happy-go-lucky Curtis brother, Soda is satisfied with being a high school dropout but wishes he could marry his girlfriend Sandy, who is forced to move to Florida because she is pregnant (but not by Soda). He also wishes the constant fighting between his brothers would end so he would not always be put in the middle.

Johnny Cade.  The most tragic member of the greasers, Johnny only wishes to fit in somewhere. He has a terrible home life, and his parents pay little attention to him. The smallest of the boys, Johnny is frightened all the time, since he has been previously beaten by a Soc gang. Johnny would love to live in the country somewhere, away from all the violence of the gang fighting.

Dallas Winston.  Dally claims to love being a hood, and he is certainly proud of his status as the toughest of all the greasers and Socs. He is happiest when fighting and running afoul of the law, but Dally would actually prefer working with horses and, deep down, he wishes his estranged parents "gave a damn" about him. Dally is particularly close to Johnny, who he treats like a little brother.

Cherry Valance.  The beautiful Soc cheerleader, Cherry realizes she is spoiled rotten and only wishes for the gang violence to stop and for her parents to set boundaries for her. She loves her dead boyfriend, Bob, and she knows she could "fall in love" with Dally if given half a chance.

Who is the most heroic character in The Outsiders, and why?

Johnny Cade proves himself to be a heroic character in The Outsiders because of his selfless decision to charge into the burning church to rescue the trapped children.  Even though Johnny has had an exceedingly difficult family life with an abusive father and neglectful mother, the young man shows both love and courage when he braves the flames to save people that he has never even met before.  In the end, Johnny also saves the life of Ponyboy as well; Dally had shouted that the roof was going to cave in, and Johnny pushed Ponyboy out at the last minute.