The oldest of the Curtis brothers. He is 20, hardworking, and rarely shows his feelings. After the boys' parents died, he passed up a college scholarship and took responsibility for raising his younger brothers.

The second youngest of the greasers. He is 16, a close friend to Ponyboy, and beloved by the entire gang.

A tough, hardened greaser. He grew up on the streets of New York and learned early to depend upon himself. He has a long criminal record and is prone to risk-taking, but he also cares for Johnny.

A Soc and Bob's girlfriend. She is open-minded, sensitive, and courageous. She befriends Ponyboy early in the novel and helps him to see that Socs are people, too.

The middle Curtis brother. He is handsome and fun-loving. A high school dropout who enjoys working with cars and has a job at a gas station, he is a compassionate and supportive sibling to his two brothers. He often finds himself in the middle of their fights

The oldest of the greaser gang. He is quick-witted and is always telling jokes. Ponyboy appreciates that he treats him as an equal.

Sodapop's best friend. He works with Sodapop at the gas station and spends a lot of time at the Curtis home. Ponyboy feels that he regards him as a child and a tagalong.

The leader of the Socs and Cherry's boyfriend. He is a tough, intimidating boy who gets killed by Johnny when he and his friends attack Johnny and Ponyboy.

Bob's best friend and Marcia's boyfriend. He is a Soc who participates in the attack on Ponyboy and Johnny. In the aftermath of Bob's death, he becomes introspective, befriends Ponyboy, and works to end the violence between the Socs and greasers.

Cherry's best friend and Randy's girlfriend.

A greaser girl and Sodapop's first love, she breaks Soda's heart when she moves to Florida to have a baby that isn't his and refuses his offer of marriage.

Dally's friend and rodeo partner. He is a tough guy known for throwing wild parties.

Leader of the Shepard gang, a gang friendly to, but tougher than, the greasers. He is a good friend of Dally's.