Johnny Cade

english

Background (Part 1) - Description

Johnny Cade is a vulnerable 16-year-old Greaser with "big black eyes in a dark tanned face" and "jet-black" hair. He’s described as "a little dark puppy that's been kicked too many times." After being attacked by Socs, Johnny is traumatized: "I had never been jumped, but I had seen Johnny after the four Socs got hold of him, and it wasn't pretty."

Background (Part 2) - Socs Beating

Johnny is often seen "all banged up," but the Socs' beating left him with "his face all cut and bruised and swollen, and there was a wide gash from his temple to his cheekbone." This attack deepens his fear and PTSD. When Two-Bit pretends to be a "Snarling Soc," Johnny turns "as white as a ghost" with "his eyes shut" and "his breath...coming in smothered gasps."

Background (Part 3) - Lack of Parental Love

Johnny’s fear comes from years of abuse. His parents “always beat him up, and his mother ignored him.” He often sleeps in vacant lots since it’s safer than home. When Johnny went missing for a week, his parents never asked about him. The Greasers are Johnny’s only family, and though they are also struggling, they become his support. He is often called "the gang's pet."

Things He Says

Johnny expresses his desire to escape the rivalry, saying he wants a place "without greasers or Socs, with just people. Plain ordinary people." This shows he longs for a life without hatred and division.

Things Others Say About Him (Part 1)

Johnny is called “the gang's pet,” and even Dally can’t stay mad at him because “Johnny was Dally's pet too.” Johnny looks up to Dally, who teaches him survival without family. Dally tells Johnny, “I’m proud of you,” and Johnny's eyes “glowed” because it’s all he ever wanted. As one gang member says, “We couldn’t get along without him. We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang.”

Things Others Say About Him (Part 2)

Cherry Valance, a Soc, says Johnny is "hurt and scared," showing that even outsiders recognize his vulnerability.

Key Moments - Flashback to Johnny Being Jumped

Johnny was attacked by a group of Socs led by Bob and his rings. He was already scared from his abusive parents, but this incident changed him deeply. Johnny felt overwhelming fear, thinking of death and pain. The attack left him with lasting trauma, and he became more isolated and afraid of the Socs.

Key Moments - Drive-In Movie Incident

At the drive-in, Johnny stands up to his idol, Dally, when he makes the girls uncomfortable. Johnny boldly says, “Leave her alone, Dally.” This moment shows Johnny's growth and marks one of the rare times he stands up for someone, surprising both Pony and Dally. It shows Johnny’s courage, especially since he "worshiped the ground Dallas walked on."