Character Development

By: Elias Dorsey

Johhny’s Dynamic Story

Authors note: This writing piece is about the theme of how the characters (Specifically Johnny) have developed throughout the story. I wrote this piece to display my understanding of the character development concept.

In the book “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, you follow a gang of individuals who label themselves as “Greasers.” The theme im going to be talking about is character development. The main characters of this story are Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, Darry Curtis, Dally Winston, Two-bit, and Sodapop Curtis. Above all the character that has changed throughout the story the most has to be, without a doubt, Johnny Cade. For all readers of this who have a completely different argument, hear me out. Johhny has always been know as the “pet” of the group, the person who was described as “A puppy that’s been kicked too many times.”

Even though this was true at that point in the book, I will showcase numerous instances where this “theory” was proven false. Take the scene in the book where the intoxicated Soc’s had pulled up next to them at the fountain. The Soc’s started to try to kill Ponyboy. Johhny was watching him being drowned. He had to do something about it.  So he killed the Soc (Bob) that was trying to drown him. After when he killed Bob he said in a completely serious tone and facial expression, “We need money maybe gun, and a plan.” This proves that he changed from a pet, a puppy that’s been kicked one too many times. Now he’s being the one that’s taking charge, devising a plan so they can get off scotch free. Although he changed at that moment, he seemed to still be a little scared like he was before. Especially when they had moved to that abandoned church. Even then he had shown through with his excellent leadership skills, when he had suggested that it would be wise to change their appearances. This was the reason of the bleaching and cutting of their hair.

I think that when you overlook all opinions, you can’t argue with some of the valid points I previously made. You can still stick to your own opinion, but you can’t deny that I am dead on with my arguments. I think multiple people would indeed describe Johnny Cade as a dynamic character. I hope you see my understanding in the topic. Still, the now deceased Johnny’s last words proved change also. Stay gold pony. Stay gold. His words carried massive weight. I think that he would’ve never said that at the beginning of the book. At this point I have no doubt that Johnny is in fact the most dynamic character in the book.

The Great Johnny Debate

Johnny’s Loss of Innocence

By: Elias Dorsey

Lately, there has been an ongoing debate on whether Johnny, From The Outsiders, has lost his innocence or not. I for one think that he hasn’t lost anything besides his life. Bob and his obviously intoxicated friends were drowning his best friend and laughing about it. What would you have done if you were in that same situation? Would you have let them drown him/her?  No you wouldn’t have, unless you’re utterly terrible friend. All Johnny had was a switchblade and the “fear factor” to scare the drunken Soc’s away. Honestly I would’ve done the same exact thing if I were in that predicament. What else could he have done? Ran away? Hid? Who knows, but I know that he wouldn’t ditch Ponyboy while he was becoming a victim of attempted murder. Aside from the death of Bob, he saved kids from a church fire. I think that that’s basically proving that he’s still the same way as he was before he stabbed Bob. The other side though has one valid point. Johnny did kill someone. Also rather than turning himself in or explaining that it was indeed self defense to his prosecutors/the police, he ran away from the crime scene. Who am I to talk though. I probably would've done the same thing with all the adrenaline racing through my veins and into my brain. That’s one point. Still, you can’t deny that he redeemed himself by saving those startled people from the fire, and sacrificing himself in the process. Either way against or with Johnny’s innocence you still can’t say completely. Even though I think his innocence was carried with him to the grave, it’s a fly ball. Mostly because when you sum it all up for both sides, eventually you have to realize the sides are dead even. Just think about this though. What would you have done, and would you have considered yourself still innocent if you were just trying to defend your best friend and yourself? Think about that. 

Dear Dallas,

            I am a pretty big greaser fan and you being the authority figure to all of the greasers, why don’t you try to come to an agreement/try to be civil with the Soc’s? I mean I know you guys are rival groups and all, but why? Has it been attempted before? Did the attempt go wrong, if it even was attempted? Also I want to find information about your New York past. What was the name of your gang in New York? Who is your arch enemy from the group known as the Soc’s? I’m asking these questions because the book doesn’t explain much about you. I would like to know a lot more about you. Mostly because of your violent past. Under the circumstances of Johhny killing a Soc even before Ponyboy, Are you proud or disappointed in him? So many questions so little time. Wait a second. I’m missing so many good questions. Well I’m almost missing them. Anyway back on track now.  Why did you move away from New York? Also, why are you so bitter? You seem like your mad at everyone, no matter if it’s a baby or a dog. No offense, but you need to take a major chill pill. Oh and one more question. Were you this bad as a kid? Did you have any siblings? What was you life as a kid? Anyway say hello to the Greaser Gang for me.

Yours truly,

 

Elias