The Outsiders By S. E. Hinton: Character Analysis

Everybody has an idea. Each person has their own philosophy in which they make decisions that dictate their life. These beliefs hold a stronger value than anything else, and sometimes the beliefs govern the choices made. The choice may be harder, but it follows the philosophy, so it has to be made. In the novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, all of the characters stay true to their beliefs, even when it may be tougher to do so. For some, their beliefs is to do the right thing for those around him. For others, they choose to stick, care and always be there for those close to them. And some people choose to do whatever will impress family, and be there for their family at all costs. Johnny Cade always chooses to do the right thing for those

Johnny may have not always been selfless, Dally may have been looking out for someone other than Johnny, and Ponyboy was not constantly pleasing Darry. Johnny was looking out for himself when he and Ponyboy decided to run away. Based off of fear, Johnny forgot to think about what running away could do to Ponyboy and his family, or anyone in the gang. However, Johnny eventually figured out he made a mistake, and admitted to his foolishness, saying, “It ain’t fair for Ponyboy to stay up in that church with Darry and Soda worryin’ about him all the time.” (87). Johnny’s thoughtfulness shows his beliefs coming back to him. Johnny was scared, frightened some could say, and when these feelings occur, people do not think clearly. After a few days to process it all, Johnny realized he was not sticking to his philosophy and was wrong to keep continuing to do so. When Dally decided to rob the store and pull his unloaded gun at the cop, he knew what was going to happen next. Dally’s decision could be seen as selfish, and was not directed for him to be with Johnny. Some could argue that he decided to pull the gun to save himself, and forgot about the other boys. On the flip side, Johnny’s death caused Dally to sink in this sea of despair. Dally had shown he truly cared for one gang member, and that was Johnny. He look out for the other boys, but he stood up for Johnny and listened to him more than anybody he had ever known. Dally believed to care and love for one person, and when he died, he had nothing. It may have been selfish to commit what could be considered an, “assisted suicide” but dally did this because of Johnny, the one person he choose to believe in. Of course, Ponyboy did not spend his entire time trying to please his oldest brother. At one point, he even argued back with Darry because they were so fed up. On the other hand, Ponyboy remembered his idea that family is the