Sixteen-year-old Bryon lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his mother and his best friend, Mark. He has a reputation for his charm and street smarts, spending his free time pool hustling and roaming the neighborhood. While he enjoys the thrill of gang fights and making wisecracks, he possesses a growing sense of right and wrong that makes him question the violence around him.

Mark is a fifteen-year-old boy with golden hair and eyes who lives with Bryon's family following the violent death of his own parents. He acts as Bryon's fiercely loyal brother and constant companion. He has a talent for hotwiring cars and an uncanny ability to escape trouble without facing consequences, operating with a carefree attitude.

Cathy is a sensible, optimistic teenager who recently returned home to attend public school after her family ran short of funds. She works in the hospital cafeteria and immediately catches Bryon's attention with her honesty and lack of drama. She cares deeply for her large family, particularly her younger brother M&M, and firmly advocates for peaceful behavior.

M&M is a trusting thirteen-year-old boy who embraces the 1960s counterculture movement. He wears a peace medal, babysits his younger siblings for pocket money, and excels in his English classes. His gentle nature places him at odds with the violent gang culture of his neighborhood and his father's strict expectations.

Charlie is the tough, intelligent twenty-two-year-old owner of a local bar where Bryon and Mark spend their time. Despite a rough upbringing and a criminal record, he runs a successful business and reads extensively. He serves as an older brother figure to Bryon, offering him practical advice and protection from the streets.

Mike is a young white man recovering in the hospital from a severe beating. He sustained his injuries after offering a ride home to a Black girl named Connie to protect her from his own gang. He maintains a forgiving attitude toward his attackers, which forces Bryon to reconsider his own views on retribution.

Angela is Bryon's beautiful but vindictive ex-girlfriend who comes from a dysfunctional family. She frequently drinks, swears, and instigates conflicts among the local boys. Her lingering resentment over a recent romantic rejection drives her to create chaos within the community.

Bryon's mother is a hardworking single parent who struggles financially due to ongoing health issues. She opened her home to Mark six years ago and treats him as her own son. She encourages the boys to be responsible but remains largely unaware of their daily activities on the streets.

Mr. Carlson is the father of Cathy and M&M. He is highly critical of his son's appearance, academic performance, and counterculture interests. His harsh judgments create tension within the household and drive his son to seek acceptance away from home.

Ponyboy is a local teenager who previously rejected Angela Shepherd's romantic advances. He runs in the same social circles as Bryon and Mark, inadvertently becoming entangled in Angela's vindictive schemes.

Tim is one of Angela's brothers and a member of the Shepherd gang. He is fiercely loyal to his sister and uses physical violence to settle family disputes, perpetuating the neighborhood's cycle of revenge.

Curly is Angela's other brother and a member of the local gang. He participates in violent retaliation against those who cross his family, serving as backup during physical altercations.

Connie is a young Black woman who relies on Mike for a ride home after facing harassment from his gang at a drugstore. Her fear and defensive reactions illustrate the intense racial tensions in the community.

Dirty Dave is a rough patron from Texas who visits Charlie's bar. He carries brass knuckles and reacts violently when he realizes he has been hustled at the pool table.

Terry is a local friend of Bryon and Mark. He runs in their social circle and occasionally provides them with a place to stay when they need a safe haven after a fight.