Johnny Cade is quiet, cautious, and rarely gets in the way of the gang. Years of neglect and verbal abuse from his mother, combined with his father’s alcoholism and violence, have taught him to keep his head down and stay out of trouble whenever he can. He is capable of holding his own during a rumble, but he dislikes the constant running and fighting that comes with being a Greaser. More than anything, Johnny wants to avoid unnecessary conflict and the stigma that follows the gang. Despite his quiet nature, Johnny is deeply loyal to the people he cares about. After being brutally jumped by a group of Socs while walking alone one night, nearly losing his life in the process, the gang became fiercely protective of him. They made a habit of keeping an eye on him, knowing Johnny was safer when he wasn't alone. Even so, that protection couldn't prevent what happened when Johnny and Ponyboy were attacked after running away from their neighborhood. The experience only reinforced Johnny's belief that the violence between Greasers and Socs was pointless. While recovering in the hospital, he admits to Dallas that he doesn't see the purpose in rumbles and believes they don't actually accomplish anything. Johnny isn't interested in proving himself through violence. He simply wants a place where he feels safe, wanted, and like he belongs. Johnny is smaller and more slight than the other boys, with big black eyes set against a dark, tanned face. His jet-black hair is heavily greased and combed to the side, though its length leaves shaggy bangs falling across his forehead. There's almost always a nervous, suspicious quality to his expression, as though he's expecting something bad to happen before he can allow himself to relax. His clothes are simple: a dark T-shirt, a sky-blue denim jacket, and jeans. A scar runs across his left cheek, a permanent reminder of the night he was attacked by the Socs, left behind by the rings of one of his attackers. To Ponyboy, Johnny resembles a little puppy that's been kicked too many times and left alone in a crowd of strangers. Beneath his guarded exterior, however, he's gentle, thoughtful, and deeply caring. He doesn't ask for much from the people around him. Just loyalty, understanding, and somewhere he can finally feel safe.

Keith “Two-Bit” Mathews is 18, still a junior in high school, and one of the oldest members of the Greasers. Second only to Darry in age, Two-Bit is known as the wisecracker of the group and is almost never seen without a grin on his face. He's loud, playful, lazy, and just a little bit crazy, with a talent for turning nearly any situation into a joke. Two-Bit has a reputation for stealing, drinking, and smarting off to practically anyone who gives him the opportunity, including the police. He doesn't seem capable of keeping his mouth shut when there's a perfectly good opportunity to make someone laugh. Even when he's getting himself into trouble, there's usually a grin somewhere in the middle of it. He's often teased for being lazy and not having a job, but he doesn't seem particularly bothered by it. Despite his reckless and carefree personality, Two-Bit is loyal to the people he considers family. He cares deeply about the Greasers and is particularly fond of Johnny, whom he considers his favorite member of the gang. He gets along with most of the boys, though Dally's attitude and tendency to stir up trouble can test his patience. Two-Bit is also close with Tim Shepard and has friendships extending beyond the Greasers, including Cherry Valance and Marcia. Two-Bit is around six feet tall with a stocky build, gray eyes, and rust-colored hair. He's particularly proud of his long sideburns and takes obvious pride in his appearance, even if his overall style is casual and rough around the edges. In the film, his hair appears more light brown or dark blond, and he's often seen wearing his favorite shirts, including ones featuring Mickey Mouse, along with brown square-toed cowboy boots. He carries a black-handled switchblade and is rarely far from some kind of trouble. As an older brother, Two-Bit is a mixture of obnoxious, protective, and fiercely loyal. His younger sister is one of the few people who can give him as much attitude as he gives everyone else, and he takes an almost ridiculous amount of pride in looking out for her. He'll tease her relentlessly, embarrass her whenever possible, and complain about her getting into trouble, but anyone else who tries to hurt her is likely to discover very quickly that Two-Bit's jokes have limits. Underneath all the wisecracks and reckless behavior, Two-Bit is someone who genuinely values the people he loves. He may not always know how to express it seriously, but when it matters, he shows up. For all his flaws, his loyalty to his friends and family is one of the strongest things about him.

A hardened, rebellious Greaser

Eldest brother and protector of Ponyboy and Sodapop

Happy-go-lucky middle brother of Darry and Ponyboy

Youngest of the brothers

Greaser and Sodapop Curtis's best friend