Stands six-feet-two inches tall, broad-shouldered, and muscular. Dark-brown hair that kicks out in front with a slight cowlick in the back. Pale blue-green ice, appearing tough, cool, and determined. Looks older than 20; handsome, though his expression is often stern and cold. Acts as the strict father figure and sole provider for his younger brothers (Ponyboy and Sodapop) after their parents die in a car crash. Gave up a college athletic scholarship and a football career to work two labor jobs (such as roofing). Serves as the unofficial, tough leader of the Greaser gang, known for his physical strength and fighting ability. Appears harsh, demanding, and hard to please, which causes friction with Ponyboy. However, his strictness stems from exhaustion, fear of losing his remaining family, and a deep desire to give Ponyboy a good future.

He has dark-gold hair, a sensitive, expressive face, and warm brown eyes. He is shorter than his oldest brother Darry, but more slender and delicately handsome. Ponyboy describes him as having movie-star good looks that attract people effortlessly. Soda is known for being understanding, energetic, and fiercely loyal to his friends and family. He acts as the emotional glue of the family, trying to mediate the frequent arguments between Darry and Ponyboy. Ponyboy notes that Soda doesn't need alcohol to have a good time because he gets naturally high on just living and experiencing life. He dropped out of high school at sixteen and works at a local DX gas station alongside his best friend, Steve Randle.

His hair is dark brown, and styled long on the sides and back in typical Greaser fashion. Wears the standard Greaser wardrobe of blue jeans, T-shirts, boots or sneakers, and a denim or leather jacket. Enjoys reading, watching movies alone, and appreciating sunsets or poetry like Robert Frost's "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Youngest of the orphaned Curtis brothers, caught between his hard-working oldest brother Darry and his easygoing brother Sodapop. Highly intelligent and a fast learner, though sometimes lacking common sense in dangerous situations.

He is the smallest and youngest of the core Greaser group, looking like a "little dark puppy" that has been beaten down. He has large, black eyes, jet-black hair, and a dark, tanned face bearing the physical scars of a brutal beating by the rival Socs. He always carries a nervous, suspicious look in his eyes from constant fear and trauma. He suffers severe physical abuse from his father and neglect from his mother, making the Greaser gang his true family. Because of his home life and a prior attack by Socs, he is intensely nervous, quiet, and afraid of the world. Despite his harsh environment, he retains a deep innocence, gentleness, and a thoughtful appreciation for literature and poetry (such as Robert Frost's work).

brown hair, hazel eyes, and a rugged, charismatic look that made him a teen idol of the era. He wears dark blue jeans, a black shirt, and a dark brown leather bomber jacket. Dally is the most hardened, angry, and rebellious member of the Greasers, carrying a bitter attitude shaped by his rough past in New York City. Despite his mean and defiant demeanor, he shows a soft, protective side and fierce loyalty toward his close friends—especially Johnny Cade.

He stands about six feet tall with a stocky build. He has gray eyes and a wide grin. He takes great pride in his long, rusty-colored sideburns. His real name is Keith, but he earned the nickname "Two-Bit" because he always had to get his two cents' worth into every conversation. He carries a black-handled switchblade that he proudly stole. Despite treating life like a joke, he is warmhearted, fiercely protective of Ponyboy and Johnny, and stands by his chosen family.

He is seventeen years old, tall, and lean. He styles his thick, greasy hair in a complicated, messy arrangement of swirls. He has a cocky and intelligent demeanor. He knows everything about cars and works at a DX gas station alongside his best friend. He is fiercely tough and once fought off four opponents using a broken soda bottle. He is fiercely loyal to his Greaser gang and fights out of hatred for the rival Socs.