Ponyboy Hero Characteristics

One could characterize a hero in many different ways. For example, some people characterize a hero by the actions he or she does. In contrast, others may characterize a hero by the character traits they exhibit. Although, there is no wrong answer personally I believe that a hero is not just characterized by both the character traits they exhibit and the actions they take, but who they do these actions and why they exhibit these character traits. A hero is someone with integrity and chooses to do the right thing even though they know that no one is watching. Another quality of a hero is someone who chooses to do an action with no expectation of a reward.

In the book The Outsiders all of the characters are in a gang. Although, people in

In my opinion when Ponyboy makes the decision to save the kids from the burning building without any thought of getting a reward that showed many of his heroic qualities. "I'll get them, don't worry!" I started at a dead run for the church”(Page 78) This quote shows how Ponyboy fits the description of a hero because all he doesn’t think about his own safety he just starts in a dead run to the church. Ponyboy also fits the description of having integrity. Although, many members of the Greasers do steal Ponyboy makes the decision that he will not steal. I “don't steal things”(Page 113) This quote describes his integrity because even though there are not always people watching Ponyboy has made the decision not to

Although, in the beginning of the book the author did not consider him a prominent character, but it became clear later in the book that he had heroic qualities. Johnny had many hardships and struggles at home that no child should ever have to go through. He had a father that would get drunk and beat Johnny. In contrast to the way Johnny could have chosen to act based on this he still chose to exit kindness people. Johnny heroic qualities did not get recognized in the book until after he rescued the kids from the burning church building. Although, considered a very heroic act Johnny had become a hero long before this point in the story. Johnny fits the description of a hero his whole life. Johnny choses to come out in the middle of the night to console Ponyboy even though he is most likely tired and would like to sleep. "Okay," Johnny said easily.”(Page 46) This quote is from the part of the story where Johnny is trying to make Ponyboy feel better after getting in trouble with Darry. In my opinion anyone who is willing to console a friend in the middle of the night is a