The Outsiders Character Analysis Essay

In the novel The Outsiders written by S.E. Hinton, one of the main characters, Ponyboy is introduced as a fairly attractive, smart and athletic fourteen year old kid, being brought up in a greaser neighborhood. Ponyboy is the youngest member of his family and the Greaser gang (also known as “Outsiders” or outcasts). As the story unfolds, Ponyboy’s character evolves; his personality, morals and outlook on life slowly change, as he loses his innocence. The reader quickly realizes that Ponyboy’s desire to be accepted, to make something of his life, even if it’s only to be a member of the Greaser gang, and his near death experiences take him down a path that constantly finds him analyzing his choices and place in life.

One of the first events that begin to change Ponyboy’s personality is when he is walking home from the movies and he begins to evaluate his life and the differences between the Greasers and Socs. As he is walking, he becomes concerned about walking alone and being jumped by the Socs. Then, suddenly, a red Corvair starts to follow him and several Socs jump out …show more content…
He and Johnny are faced with a church burning with six innocent children trapped inside. They are told, along with Edgar, that it too dangerous to go in after the children. Ponyboy and Johnny show extraordinary courage; and ignoring the warnings, they go into the burning church to rescue the children. Fortunately, they were able to save the children, but in the process Johnny is badly injured and is transported to the hospital in critical condition. Johnny said, “I can't feel anything below the middle of my back…” He lay breathing for a moment . “I'm pretty bad off, ain’t I, Pony?””’You’ll be okay,” I said with fake cheerfulness. “You gotta be. We couldn’t get along without you.” Courage is a characteristic that Ponyboy would have never shown until he was forced to face life on the streets with the