The Curtis parents do not actually appear in the novel, as they were both killed in a car accident about eight months before the story begins. The traits that we learn about Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, we learn from conversations and memories.

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are described as funny yet kind and loving. They struggled to make ends meet, and Ponyboy wishes that he was able to spend more time with them. Despite their struggles, they were still able to provide for their sons and give them a good life.

Mrs. Curtis is described as beautiful and golden, just like her son Sodapop. She was able to keep the boys's friend, Dallas, out of trouble, and she was one of the few people that could talk to him.

Mr. Curtis looked just like Darrel, the oldest son. Ponyboy mentioned that although he was forty when he died, he looked like he was twenty-five, so it is likely that he had a strong build.

The reader learns about the Curtis brothers's parents primarily from Pony's memories and comments about his mother and father. Pony's parents are depicted as fun-loving, insightful individuals who treated others with sympathy and love. Johnny mentions that Darry is a splitting image of his father and believes that Sodapop resembles his mother but acts like his father. Since Sodapop is an easy-going, charismatic individual, the reader discerns that Pony's father also had a funny, relaxed personality. Johnny also mentions that Darry behaves more like his mother, and Pony mentions that she had the unique ability to communicate with Dally. Pony also mentions that Dally used to say,

You've got quite a mom . . . She knows the score. (Hinton, 43)

Given Pony and Johnny's description, Pony's mother is portrayed as a responsible, insightful person. Pony's father also gave pet names to his children and called Sodapop "Pepsi Cola." Judging from the names of the Curtis brothers, their parents were unique, independent people who were not ashamed of being themselves. Tragically, the Curtis brothers's parents died in a car accident, which forced Darry to assume the responsibility of raising his younger brothers.