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.