Who Are The Characters In S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders?

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Beyond Appearance Adults advise teenagers to be themselves, but adhering to that cliché can be dangerous. Teens can become outcasts, hiding their identities to avoid rejection. The Outsiders, a coming-of-age story written by S.E. Hinton, set during the 1960s, depicts two teenage groups that oppose each other in style, values, status, and thinking. Sherri Valance, known as Cherry, belongs to the Socs, a high-status, opulent, carefree teenage gang. Darry and Ponyboy Curtis, orphaned brothers, belong to a bottom-of-the-barrel, resolute, emotional gang, known as the Greasers. Cherry, Darry, and Ponyboy hide their unpopular values. All three characters suffer internal and external struggles. Understanding these struggles requires one to look beyond …show more content…

Joel Chaston says in his critique of The Outsiders, “The Outsiders” suggests that if anyone does stay gold, it will be dreamers like Ponyboy” (np). Chaston recognizes Ponyboy’s dreamy personality. While most teenage Greasers would be distinguished as defeatists, accepting impecuniousness, Ponyboy is an optimist. In his friend group and his mind, Ponyboy is an outsider. Cherry, Darry, and Ponyboy are outsiders to their respective gangs. Cherry disagrees with the praised aggression and fights to keep her reputation. Darry attempts to forget his past to assist his family and friends so that they might have a better future. Ponyboy struggles within himself to discover his identity because his identity is different from the typical teen. All three characters work to fit in and conceal traits that make them stand out. The internal battles in their hearts affect their personalities immensely, making them outsiders, but the eccentric traits each character holds lead to excellent character. Cherry, because of her ethical values and ability to know right from wrong. Darry, because he humbles himself to care for others. Ponyboy, because of his maturity and love for

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