In S.E. Hinton’s novel “The Outsiders,” the relationship between Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston, known as Dally, is a central and complex aspect of the story. Johnny and Dally share a unique bond that transcends their roles as greasers.

Complementary Personalities

The dissimilar personalities of Johnny and Dally add to the complexity of their relationship. Johnny is a quiet, reserved, and extremely sensitive person. He is burdened by the struggles he has gone through and frequently turns to his friends for solace. According to Ponyboy, Johnny “never walked by himself after that. As close to him as Dally had been, Johnny had been as well (Hinton, 24). Despite his reserved demeanour, Johnny’s loyalty and vulnerability make him an important person in his community.