In young adult literature there are many characters who leave a perennial impression on the reader. Many of these are considered dynamic characters because of changes they induced throughout the plot. In S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders, Johnny Cade is a character that goes through a major change in personality. At first a boy who is afraid of his own shadow, Johnny turns into a gallant hero that risked his life to save children.
At the beginning of the novel, Johnny lacked confidence and self-esteem. At times he thought about attempting suicide. S.E. Hinton describes Johnny as, “A little dark puppy that has been kicked too many times and lost his crowd of strangers” (11). This is because Johnny 's parents are abusive: his mother verbally and his father
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This shows how he gained back his self-confidence and his ability to stand up for himself. Johnny finally found his acceptance from Dally when Dally said, “We’re all so proud of you” (148). When Dally said that Ponyboy noticed Johnny’s eyes glowing, “Dally was proud of him...That was all he ever wanted” (148). In the letter he wrote to Ponyboy, “It’s worth saving those kids...He meant you’re gold when you’re a kid, like grass...When you’re a kid, everything is new, dawn,” Johnny said,“It’s just when you get used to everything that it’s day… Like the way you dig sunsets, that’s gold” (178). This shows how Johnny grasped the concept of life and how his life was fulfilled when he found his true reason to live; to save those children.
In conclusion, S.E. Hinton created a character that left a perennial impression on the reader in Johnny Cade. The challenges he faced were easy for young adults especially to relate to. The changes he induced a make him the perfect example of a true dynamic character. His warm heart and braveness despite the tragedy of his death made him an unforgettable