"Ponyboy" Micheal Curtis, everyone calls him Ponyboy. Ponyboy is the youngest of the greaser gang. Ponyboy has light-brown hair and greenish-gray eyes. He has a good build for his size and is a fast runner. His hair is described to be longer than most boys. He is described as a resemblant of Sodapop by several people, though he disagrees. Ponyboy, like Sodapop, is under Darry's legal custody and must stay out of trouble in order to remain with him. He is smart at school, but sometimes he just doesn't think properly. These occasions get Ponyboy into trouble that he could avoid. He is more compassionate than some of the other greasers, pitying and even empathizing with the Socs several times and questioning the purpose of fighting between the two social classes. He cares deeply for his gang members and especially loves his older brother Sodapop, though he frequently clashes with his strict oldest brother, Darry.

Johnny is described as smaller than the rest, with a slight build. He has big black eyes in a dark tanned face; his hair is jet-black and heavily greased and combed to the side, but it is so long that it falls in shaggy bangs across his forehead. He always has a nervous, suspicious look in his eye. He's often compared to a small little puppy that's been kicked one too many times. Johnny is sensitive and quiet. He is reserved and speaks very little, largely because he is neglected and abused at home by his parents. He is very jumpy and flinches a lot, carrying a switch blade with him in constant anxiety. He often struggles with school.

"Darry" Darrel Curtis, he is often called Darry by the gang. Darry is a muscular and tall man, standing at 6' 2", who is broad shouldered. His hair is said to be like his father's - dark brown that sticks out in the front of his head with a cowlick in the back. His eyes "are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice." Darry is a stern, hard-working, and fiercely protective 20-year-old who acts as a surrogate father to his younger brothers, Ponyboy and Sodapop. His demanding nature and sharp temper come from the immense pressure of raising his brothers and the constant fear of losing them to a boys' home. While he appears cold and unyielding, his harshness masks deep love, exhaustion, and a desire for his brothers to succeed.

"Sodapop" Patrick Curtis, most known as Sodapop. Sodapop is a charismatic, cheerful, and deeply empathetic middle brother who acts as the emotional peacemaker for his family. Soda is described as getting "drunk on just plain living," finding joy and excitement in everyday life even amid hardship. Beneath his carefree, smiling exterior, he possesses high emotional intelligence. He understands the hidden stresses and fears weighing on both of his brothers. Although he masks his pain to protect others, he carries deep inner turmoil, particularly regarding family friction and heartbreak.

"Dally" Dallas Winston, known as Dally. Dally is said to have an elfish face with high cheekbones, a pointed chin, small, sharp animal teeth, and ears like a lynx. Dally has platinum blonde hair that fell over his forehead in wisps. He had a height of 6'2", and had blazing blue eyes which is seen as "cold with all the hatred in the world." Dally has a long criminal record, hates authority, and acts with a savage defiance toward society. He is intelligent and sharp, using his street smarts to get the gang out of dangerous situations. Ponyboy describes him as someone who is a law-breaker, being cruel, and disregarding people in general. He gets into fights often and is known to start fights from small things.

"Two-Bit" Keith Matthew, nobody calls him Keith, only Two-Bit. He got his nickname because he always has to put in his "two bits" worth of commentary and never stops talking or joking. Despite treating life like a joke, he is deeply protective of his friends—especially Ponyboy and Johnny—and would do anything for them. Beneath his clownish exterior, he is surprisingly sharp, noticing things about people's feelings and family dynamics that others miss. He loves fighting, shoplifting, and carrying his prized black-handled switchblade.

Steve Randle is a cocky, tough, and mechanically gifted Greaser who fights out of deep-seated hatred and fiercely protects his inner circle. He has a confident, sharp-tongued attitude and often acts rude. He is physically formidable, quick-tempered, and fights out of genuine hatred for the Socs rather than just for fun or pride. He is exceptionally bright when it comes to cars, working alongside his best friend at a local gas station. Deep down, he cares intensely for his friends and shares an unbreakable bond with Sodapop Curtis.