Probably the most sympathetic character in the novel is Johnny
Cade. He seemed to have been thursted into the gang lifestyle while still holding on to his
sensitive side. Unlike the other Greasers, Johnny is quiet and generally keeps to
himself.
Two significant characteristics of Johnny
are:
(1) His sense of morality. Johnny has a strong understanding of
right from wrong despite being from the 'wrong side of the tracks'. He advocates for peace when
the Greasers want to retaliate, and he almost intuatively saves Ponyboy when he is faced with
danger.
(2) His bravery. Johnny sacrifices himself to save the
children from the fire, even when knowing the risks. His bravery seems to stem from constantly
being 'kicked around' due to his size, and his treatment from the mainstream society. It is his
bravery and selflessness that makes Johnny's death the tragedy of the
novel.
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