Dallas "Dally" Winston is a 17-year-old high school dropout who is fearless, tough, and rebellious, hiding his caring side behind a rough exterior. He enjoys fighting, taking risks, and protecting the people he loves. His strongest relationship is with Johnny Cade, whom he cares about more than anyone else. He's also close friends with Ponyboy, Sodapop, Darry, Steve, and Two-Bit, though he rarely shows his emotions.

Darry Curtis is a 20-year-old who gave up college after his parents died so he could work full-time and raise his younger brothers. He is responsible, hardworking, and protective, always putting his family before himself. He enjoys football, working hard, and making sure his brothers are safe. His relationship with Ponyboy is often strict because he wants him to have a better future, while Sodapop is the brother he trusts the most. He's also close friends with Steve Randle, Johnny Cade, Dallas "Dally" Winston, and Two-Bit Mathews, treating the gang like family.

Ponyboy Curtis is a 14-year-old freshman in high school who is thoughtful, intelligent, and sensitive. He enjoys reading, writing, watching sunsets, and doing well in school, often seeing the good in people even when others don't. His relationship with Sodapop Curtis is especially close, as Sodapop is his biggest source of comfort. Darry Curtis is his older brother and guardian, whose strictness comes from love. Johnny Cade is his best friend and the person he understands most, while Dallas "Dally" Winston, Two-Bit Mathews, and Steve Randle are close friends who each look out for him in their own way.

Sodapop Curtis is a 16-year-old high school dropout who is cheerful, kind, and easygoing, always trying to keep the peace and make others smile. He's caring, emotionally expressive, and values his friends and family above everything else. He enjoys horses, working at the gas station, and spending time with the gang. His relationship with Ponyboy is incredibly close, acting as his biggest supporter. He's the middle brother of Darry, often helping keep peace between him and Ponyboy. Steve Randle is his lifelong best friend, while Johnny Cade, Dallas "Dally" Winston, and Two-Bit Mathews are all close friends he deeply cares about.

Steve Randle is a 17-year-old high school senior who is confident, sarcastic, and hardworking, with a passion for cars and mechanics. He enjoys fixing cars, racing, and hanging out with the gang. His best friend is Sodapop Curtis, and the two have been inseparable since childhood. He's also close with Darry, Dallas "Dally" Winston, Two-Bit Mathews, and Johnny Cade, while he sees Ponyboy Curtis more as Sodapop's little brother than as an equal.

Keith "Two-Bit" Mathews is an 18-year-old high school senior who is funny, talkative, and carefree, always using humor to brighten the mood. He enjoys movies, joking around, and spending time with the gang. He's close friends with Ponyboy, Johnny, Dallas "Dally" Winston, Sodapop, Darry, and Steve, often keeping everyone's spirits up when things get difficult.

Johnny Cade is a 16-year-old high school dropout who is quiet, gentle, and compassionate despite the abuse and neglect he faces at home. He values kindness, loyalty, and the people who make him feel accepted. He enjoys reading, watching sunsets, and spending time with the gang. His relationship with Ponyboy Curtis is his closest friendship, while Dallas "Dally" Winston is someone he deeply admires and who protects him like a younger brother. He's also close with Sodapop, Darry, Steve, and Two-Bit, who all care about him.