Character+Analysis+AJ215

=Dallas Winston= When you hear about the hood that is always getting into trouble, you think that he is a heartless cold monster that you should be afraid of, but there is more to these people than what you see in the papers. This is a story of a young hood, and what his real story is.

Dallas Winston, better known to his friends as Dally, was one of the most well known hoods on the south side. He was probably the toughest of the gang, I guess you could say he was the most cold hearted, yet, he had a love so strong, it killed him.

The first word I would use to describe Dally, is reckless. As ponyboy said, "He was as wild as the boys downtown"(11). Dally was always getting himself in trouble, he shoplifted and fought in rumbles just for fun! Dally had spent a lot of time on the west side of new york, he went to jail too many times to count, and as a result, he had very little emotion. he doesn't like to become attatched to things because he is smart and knows that its the things we love, that kill us. The only thing he truly loves, is Johnny.

Dally is very tough, he doesn't show much emotion, in other words, he is very hard. "He's been arrested, drunk, he rode in rodeos, lied, cheated, stole, rolled drunk drivers, and even jumped small kids"(11). His parents don't care for him, and hiS girlfriend or as he says his "broad" two times him whenever he's in jail. He is kind of on his own, except for the gang. He is still trying to find his way and figure out where he belongs.

Dallys relationship with Johnny is kind of like a hidden love. He loves Johnny, but he doesnt want to shoow it, or he just doesnt know how to. Johnny was the only thing he had to live for, he was very protective over Johnny, and he never wanted him to feel bad. Such as when Johnny told Dally he was going to turn himself in, S.E. Hinton described his reaction when he saw that Johnny was sad to be very heartfelt and caring. "Johnny" Dally said in a high pleading voice "I aint mad at you I just dont want you to get hurt, Jail hardens you, I dont want it to happen to you, like it happened to me"(89). When Johnny died Dally realized he lost all that he loved, so he acted out so that the cops would kill him.

Even though I know Dally is dead, I still feel like he has so much strength and determination, and may I just say that I am sorry he didnt get a better and longer life. Sure, maybe he was a hood and a fairly bad kid, but he didnt deserve to die. Think of the onlt thing you love dying, the only thing you had to livce for...This is how Dally felt about Johnny. Know he is dead...you know what they say, Its the things we love most that kill us.