A hero can be anyone around you. These are individuals who are strong, have courage, help others, and perform good deeds. Whether they are facing danger or looking out for their friends and family, these heroes sacrifice what they have to protect people who they care about. In the book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, many characters such as Ponyboy, Johnny, and Darry demonstrate true heroism through showing bravery and caring for others despite the effect their actions may have on their own lives.
Ponyboy, the main character of the novel, deserves the title of a hero due to his eagerness to help others. For example, when Ponyboy realizes that the children are in the burning church, he yells, “ ‘I’ll get them, don’t worry’ ” (p. 91). Even
…show more content…
He has all the qualities of a hero, such as bravery and care for those around him. Many other characters describe Johnny in this way. For example, Ponyboy describes Johnny as, “…a good man in a rumble. He stuck up for the gang and kept his mouth shut good around cops” (p. 34). People think of Johnny as a reliable person who they can always count on. Even when he is around cops, he stands up for the gang of boys and does not turn the boys in. He makes sure that the boys are safe from the cops and trouble, and he remains a good example for the boys. Another reason that shows why Johnny is a hero is the letter he writes before he dies. In the letter he says that “ ‘It’s worth saving those kids. Their lives are worth more than mine, they have more to live for’ ” (p.178). Even though Johnny is in critical condition after saving the kids from the fire, he does not regret it. In fact, he is glad that he saved them and says that their lives are worth more than his. This shows that Johnny sacrifices his life for others, which is a brave act. He is even thinking about the children’s futures, which shows that he truly cares for the people that he rescued. By showing this bravery and sacrificing his life, Johnny proves that he is a true