The greasers were poorer than the Socs or the Middle Class. They were wilder, too. When a Soc or Middle Class person saw a greaser, they immediately thought dirty troublemaker. If you actually got to meet them they were nice, kind, caring people. They loved to hang out in gangs, but their kinds of gangs were a group of friends. Their gangs were like their families. The Greasers gangs were always there for them and cared about each other, they always had each other’s backs. The Socs were always drinking and jumping the greasers. The greasers also loved to go and watch movies at the drive in. Ponyboy loved poetry and writing as well.

This book is told from Ponyboy’s point of view. Ponyboy loves to see movies and read poetry. Ponyboy was the kind of guy that understood the meaning of poetry and was kind and soft. Ponyboy loved to watch sunsets on the East Side. The other guys in Ponyboy’s gang were not like him, they were tough and cool. They weren't gold, like Ponyboy. Most of the guys in Ponyboy’s gang called him Pony for short form. Pony always did well in school, bringing home A’s. He got moved up a grade because he did so well in school.

Sodapop was the middle kid in his family. Their parents died in a tragic car crash and Sodapop didn't do very well in school. When their parents died Sodapop dropped out of school to help Darry raise enough money to support Ponyboy. The guys in Pony’s gang called Sodapop Soda for short form. Soda and Darry worked at a gas station for minimum wage. Soda’s personality was always happy-go-lucky. Ponyboy looks up to Soda because Soda is always sticking up for him and allowing him to tag along with him and his friends.

Darry is the oldest of his brothers. He finished High School and was going to go onto college, until the night that his parents crashed their car and died a tragic death. The only thing keeping Darry from being a Soc was Sodapop and Ponyboy. Darry and Ponyboy were always fighting and trying to get Soda to take someone’s side. Soda hated it when Darry and Pony fought. Instead of going to college Darry decided to get a job at a gas station, with Soda to support Pony on the little money he made.