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The Outsiders: Johnny As A Hero

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A Hero
Heroes are generally humble people; they do not brag about their deeds, or show off. When they save others, they show bravery and courage. However, some heroes have flaws that can harm them. For example, being selfish and bragging can lead to a hero’s downfall. Although Ponyboy is usually seen as the hero in The Outsiders, Johnny is the most heroic character in my opinion. He was willing to sacrifice his life in order to save multiple lives in a burning church. As a result, he was nearly killed because of a falling pillar that hit his back. Johnny is selfless, loyal, and daring.
One quality Johnny shows in The Outsiders is selflessness. He displays this trait when he saves the children from the burning church. The children are stuck inside the church while it burns down, and Johnny immediately goes to save them. Ponyboy also saves the children, but he sees something different in Johnny which represents his selflessness: “I blinked myself-- Johnny wasn't behaving at all like his old self... I caught one quick look at his face; it was red marked from falling embers and sweat streaked, but he grinned at …show more content…
Johnny is daring which leads him to stab Bob with a blade. He becomes daring and helps his friend Pony. This conflict leads to more climaxes which cause him to die. Johnny does not know that he will become more heroic and dies. He takes a step away from his true personality and changes. In the hospital, he says his final words to Ponyboy. “‘Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold...’ The pillow seemed to sink a little, and Johnny died” (Hinton, 148). Johnny dies as a hero; he dies as a selflessness, loyal, and daring hero who sticks with his gang.
Johnny is the true hero in The Outsiders. He shows his heroism by sacrificing his life for others in extreme cases. He thinks of others before himself which makes him a hero. At the end, Johnny dies because of his sacrifice. This proves that Johnny is selfless, loyal, and

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