Small, frightened, and childlike, Johnny is the baby of the gang even though he isn't the youngest. His parents abuse him, and the gang always wants to take care of him. No one can get mad at him, not even Dally. He is one of Pony's closest friends. They look at sunsets together, and talk about poetry--something neither of them can do with anyone else. Johnny understands why Pony likes Cherry Valance. He rescues children from the burning church and thinks it's worth it when he dies from his injuries. Johnny also kills Bob at the park water fountain in defence of Ponyboy.