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Character Analysis In S. E. Hinton's 'The Outsiders'

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Would you be willing to go against your community to stand up for what is right? The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the 1960’s. Characters in this novel are involved with internal and external conflicts. In a coming of age story, Johnny kills a Soc, he and Ponyboy run away, and they go from being criminals to heroes. Also in this novel Johnny and Dally die. One character who stands out in this story is a red- headed girl named Sherri “Cherry” Valence. Cherry is a round character with many sides to her personality. She can also considered a static character because she does not grow throughout the novel. Three of Cherry’s traits are considerate, honest, and snobbish. One way to describe Cherry is considerate for many reasons. For example, Ponyboy was talking to Cherry and the Nightly Double drive-in movie about the time Johnny had gotten beat up by a Soc. She was shocked when she heard the story and turned pale. “All Socs aren’t like that” (Hinton 34.) “You have to believe me, Ponyboy. Not all of us are like that” (Hinton 34.) This shows Cherry was thinking about Ponyboy’s view of the Socs and does not want him to believe all of them are the same. In addition, when Ponyboy was talking about the difference between the Socs and Greasers and how Ponyboy …show more content…

For example, Cherry and Ponyboy were talking about seeing each other in public before she got in the car with Bob and left. “If I see you in the hall at school or someplace and don’t say hi, well, it’s not personal or anything but…” (Hinton 45.) In this instance, it is clear Cherry cares more about her reputation than developing a friendship with Ponyboy. In addition, Cherry was talking to Ponyboy about being seen him in public. “We couldn’t let our parents see us with you all. You’re a nice boy and everything…” (Hinton 46.) It is very clear that Cherry is self- conscious about upholding her reputation and not being seen with a

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