Fourteen-year-old Ponyboy is the youngest member of the working-class greaser gang in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He enjoys reading books and watching movies, interests that set him apart from the tougher boys in his neighborhood. He lives with his two older brothers following the death of their parents and struggles to understand the strict expectations of his eldest brother.

At sixteen, Johnny is the quietest member of the greaser gang. He endures an abusive and neglectful home life, making the neighborhood boys his true family. Traumatized by a severe beating from the rival gang, he remains constantly fearful and carries a switchblade for protection.

Sodapop is the sixteen-year-old middle Curtis brother, known for his handsome looks and boundless energy. He dropped out of high school to work at a local gas station to help support his family financially. He acts as the peacemaker in the household, attempting to bridge the gap between his older and younger brothers.

Twenty-year-old Darry is the eldest Curtis brother and the default leader of the greaser gang. Following the sudden death of their parents, he assumed legal guardianship of his younger brothers. He gave up a potential athletic scholarship to work long, grueling hours at a roofing company. The immense burden of providing for his family makes him serious and easily frustrated.

Dally is the toughest and most reckless member of the greaser gang. He spent time with street gangs in New York and frequently runs into trouble with the law, approaching life with a hardened attitude. He maintains a protective soft spot for Johnny while actively antagonizing the rival upper-class teens.

Cherry is a high school cheerleader who belongs to the wealthy West side Socs. She connects with Ponyboy over their shared appreciation for sunsets and literature, demonstrating that understanding can exist across social boundaries. She often finds herself drawn to rebellious boys despite her clean-cut social circle.

Two-Bit is the wise-cracking comedian of the greaser gang. He frequently shoplifts, carries a prized black-handled switchblade, and enjoys drinking alcohol. He provides comic relief for the group while remaining a loyal participant in their clashes with the Socs.

Steve is a member of the greaser gang who works alongside Sodapop at the local gas station. He is highly knowledgeable about cars and mechanics. He views Ponyboy as a tag-along child, treating him with slight annoyance.

Bob is an upper-class teen who drives a blue Mustang and wears a collection of heavy rings. He drinks heavily and leads violent attacks against the East side greasers. He acts fiercely territorial over his social status and his girlfriend, Cherry.

Randy is a prominent member of the wealthy Soc group and Bob's closest friend. He participates in the ongoing turf wars against the greasers, maintaining the cold, detached attitude expected of his social class while harboring internal doubts.

Marcia is Cherry's close friend and a fellow member of the upper-class Soc group. She shares Cherry's discomfort with Dally's crude behavior but possesses a slightly more relaxed attitude toward the greasers' comedic antics.

Tim is the leader of another local greaser gang. Unlike Ponyboy's tight-knit group of friends, Tim's gang operates more like an organized street crew with stricter discipline and greater criminal involvement.

Sandy is Sodapop's girlfriend, a fellow lower-class teen whom he hopes to marry. Their relationship faces difficulties due to her parents' disapproval of their young age and lack of financial stability.

David is a member of the Soc gang who actively participates in violent confrontations against the greasers, following Bob's aggressive lead during turf attacks.

Mrs. Cade is Johnny's mother. She frequently neglects and verbally abuses her son, driving him to seek refuge with the neighborhood gang instead of staying at his own house.

Paul is a confident, athletic Soc who used to play football with Darry in high school before their social paths drastically diverged.

Jerry is a schoolteacher who encounters the greasers during a crisis. He judges the boys by their immediate bravery rather than their social labels or greased hair.

Mr. Syme is Ponyboy's English teacher who recognizes the teen's academic potential. He offers Ponyboy a chance to pass his class through a creative writing assignment, encouraging him to channel his experiences into words.