In the novel Tex, the main character, Tex, experiences several significant life changes. Like many teenagers, he tries to avoid facing these challenges directly. To escape, he often visits the local fair, getting lost in the excitement of the rides and the lively crowd.

Tex knows that Mason is set on leaving home, and it frustrates him that Mason no longer joins him at the fair. This decision reflects Mason's acceptance of adulthood and his upcoming separation from Tex. In a youthful refusal to grow up, Tex tells Mason, "I ain't going to outgrow it, either. I'll think the Fair is fun no matter how old I get."

During a typical fair visit, Tex meets a fortune-teller. She informs him that change is inevitable but doesn't have to transform his core identity:

Your next year change. My advice. Don't change. Your future. There are people who go, people who stay. You will stay.

Her words unsettle Tex. Later, he learns that Jamie and Mason are planning to leave. Eventually, he comes to accept these changes, recognizing that change is a part of life and that while some important people will leave, others will stay. He also realizes that one day he will make his own decision about whether to remain in Oklahoma or move away, similar to his brother.

Tex's education goes beyond traditional learning; it involves understanding manhood through interactions with other men and the environment. This knowledge is gained through engaging experiences.

At the story's outset, Tex discusses his method for managing horses. While riding, he reveals his philosophy: he never strikes his horse but treats it with respect, gently guiding Negrito to behave as desired. This approach is why he holds the reins before allowing the horse to gallop.

Thanks to this respectful treatment, Negrito behaves almost human-like. In contrast, another horse, Red, is not as well-mannered. "Mason had never treated him like a person, so Red had never acted like one." When you acknowledge a horse, it responds to your commands. Similarly, when a young man is treated with respect, he matures into manhood. This journey is not without challenges.

In school, Tex learns by observing others' behaviors. He also becomes conscious of how his pranks impact both students and teachers. Through his experiences, he discovers that pranks and skipping class are far less rewarding than gaining Mr. Kencaide's respect for his equestrian skills and his willingness to assist others.

"Love ought to be a real simple thing," Tex remarks. Yet, he admits that "with humans it gets so mixed up." At first, Tex believes that love causes both physical and emotional suffering. However, by the novel's conclusion, his viewpoint changes—he begins to view expressing love as both fulfilling and rewarding. His blossoming romantic interest in Jamie further highlights a new perspective on love and relationships for the young protagonist.

Aside from the complex and unresolved matter of sex, Tex's lessons about love remain quite consistent. He learns to accept people as they truly are. He finds common ground with Pop, reconciles with Johnny, earns recognition from Cole, and settles issues with Mr. Kencaide. Ultimately, he is able to connect with Mason.

In Tex, Hinton explores the theme of adolescent growth and development through the main character. Much like Ponyboy in The Outsiders (1967), Tex narrates the story of a protagonist who goes through some of the most challenging weeks of his life. By the end of the novel, the character gains a deeper insight into himself and his surroundings, although this epiphany is conveyed in a subtle manner.

Alienation is a recurring theme in Tex