Analysis of Characters in The Outsiders by Susan Eloise Hinton

“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, is a book about the Greasers who find themselves caught in murder, Johnny did murder someone but only out of self-defence. Needless to say, Johnny and Ponyboy go on the run because they know they will be sent to prison and a reformatory if the police find them. “The Flash” is about Barry Allen becoming the Flash and saving Central City from villains that were created by the particle accelerator explosion. These two plots are completely different things, but the characters in them have similar personality traits and morals.

In the book “The Outsiders” Sodapop is Ponyboy’s brother. Sodapop is a carefree, understanding, lighthearted, and joyful. Sodapop is a part of the Greasers but doesn’t get into trouble or get drunk. “He can get drunk in a drag race or dancing without ever getting near alcohol… He gets drunk on just plain living. And he understands everybody.” (Hinton 8). Sodapop finds joy in the darkest places of life. In the show “The Flash” Ronnie Raymond is an engineer who supposedly dies in the particle accelerator explosion, later they find out he was not dead but that he got powers and becomes Firestorm but then actually dies when aiding the Flash. In the brief time that Ronnie is alive and well, he is engaged to Caitlin Snow. Sodapop is in love with Sandy and hopes one day to marry her. Ronnie is a cheerful, protective, selfless, and fun-loving individual. Ronnie looks out for those he holds dear, such as his fiance Caitlin. While Sodapop always looks out for Ponyboy. Ronnie Raymond has black hair, tan, and blue eyes. Ronnie Raymond is portrayed as a very good looking person.

In the book, Sodapop is described as “Soda is handsome than anyone else I know. Not like Darry--- Soda movie-star kind of handsome, the kind that people stop on the street to watch go by.” (Hinton 7) Although these two characters are from two very different things they are both very selfless and would sacrifice anything for a loved one. Dally is described as being “He was tougher than the rest of us--- tougher, colder, meaner.” (Hinton 10) Although throughout the book it is revealed that there is another side of him, the side of him before he went to jail and became hardened. The only person Dally cares about is Johnny. Johnny views Dally as gallant because once, without hesitation, Dally took the sentence for something that Two-Bit had done (Hinton 65). When Johnny and Ponyboy saved the kids from the fire, Johnny got stuck in the church and before the roof could collapse on Johnny, Dally went into the fire to save Johnny (Hinton 95). Wally West from “The Flash” is Barry Allen’s (the Flash) foster brother. Wally West was Iris West’s secret brother, Iris West mom kept Wally West a secret from her ex-husband (Joe West) and Iris West. When Wally finds out he has a dad(Joe West) and a sister(Iris West) he is unsure. Wally West is eager, reckless, competitive, angry, and stubborn. Wally had a rough childhood and on top of that he finds out he has a sister and father. Wally deeply loves his mother but soon had to say goodbye to her. His mother got very sick and died. Wally was hardened by his past just as Dally was hardened by his past.

Cherry is introduced in Chapter 2, where she meets Ponyboy and Johnny at the drive-in after she stands up for herself when Dally disrespects her. After the movie, when she starts talking to Ponyboy she realizes that both sides of the rivalry between Socs and Greasers are not that different after all. They both have problems. Later in the book, after her boyfriend was murdered she tells the Greasers that she will spy on the Socs for them and testify that Bob was drunk in the court if she has to. Cherry is brave, deep, kind, curious, and compassionate. In the show “The Flash” Iris West is Barry Allen’s fiance and Wally West’s sister. When Iris West doesn’t know that Barry is the Flash she takes it upon herself to do everything in her power to find out who he is. Iris goes to the point of putting herself in danger to find out more about the Flash. Iris West stands up for herself when faced by villians multiple times. Cherry and Iris both have the curiosity to know the truth.

Both girls are willing to put themselves in danger in order for people to know the truth. Important characters in “The Outsiders” are similar to heroes in the show “The Flash.” Sodapop and Ronnie have the same heart for others and good looks. Dally and Wally both had a messed up past and are hardened by their past. Cherry and Iris both sacrifice themselves for the truth. “The Outsiders” and “The Flash” have completely different plots but their characters have the same goals. Although these characters are not the main characters in both things, they are just as essential and important to the story.