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This article is about Darrel Curtis Jr. For his father, see Darrel Curtis Sr.


Darry's gone through a lot in his twenty years, grown up too fast.
Ponyboy about Darry in The Outsiders


Darrel "Darry" Shaynne Curtis Jr.  is the oldest of the three Curtis brothers, one of the three deuteragonists of The Outsiders, and the man of the house ever since their parents died. Darrel now acts as the mother and father of his two brothers. He is portrayed by the late Patrick Swayze.

Appearance

Darry is a muscular and tall man, standing at 6' 2", who is broad shouldered. His hair is said to be like his father's - dark brown that sticks out in the front of his head with a cowlick in the back. His eyes "are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice." He is said to look exactly like his father, but with different eyes. Also, he looks older than his actual age, which is twenty. Ponyboy says he would be better looking if his eyes weren't so cold. [2]

Personality

Darry is, in short, a mother and father for his younger brothers. He loves them dearly, though he has a bit of a weird way of showing it. Instead of being caring and understanding, he is stern and protective of them. However, this is only because he doesn't want to lose them to a boy's home. He also is a big impact on the brothers.

He doesn't goof around often, though has been seen teasing Soda on occasion - he doesn't like when anyone teases him, except for Soda - Pony says he'd just as soon tease a grizzly bear.

Ponyboy describes him as a young man who grew up too fast and as someone handling things no one his age should have to.

Darry is very intelligent and athletic. He wants Ponyboy to grow up well and go to college since that is an opportunity he and Soda, the middle brother, missed out on. He wishes that he could go back to college but won't because of financial problems and because he won't leave his younger brothers. After the show in 2009, he died from cancer. He always lived in the gang’s house. He had one kid and got married when Sodapop moved out in 1965 and Ponyboy moved out in 1967. His best friend was a guy from his roofing job that didn’t want to be in a gang but him and Darry knew each other since they were in pre-k. Darry says his favorite gang member is Johnny Cade, however, he values his brother a lot.

Pre-Outsiders

Darrel’s Birth year is in 1945, Meaning that he is born somewhere at the end of World War II

The Outsiders

At the beginning of the film, Darrel is shown racing towards Ponyboy after he is attacked by the Socs. He checks on Ponyboy along with Sodapop who learn that the Socs had pulled a switchblade on him. Darrel concerned about Ponyboy asks him what he was doing walking home alone and tells him that he should’ve carried a switchblade with him. But Sodapop interjects saying that would’ve made things worse, but Darrel brushes him off stating that he did not ask for his opinion.

Later on, Darrel is seen again reading a newspaper at 2am waiting for Ponyboy to come home. When Ponyboy returns, he immediately scolds him for staying out late, when Sodapop tries to defend him Darrel yells at him as well irritated that he constantly defends Ponyboy. When Ponyboy tries to defend Sodapop, Darrel shoves him and immediately regrets it but before he can properly apologize Ponyboy runs off. Darrel is mentioned in a letter written by Sodapop to Ponyboy while he is in hiding and it says that Darrel is real sorry for hitting him the way he did.

Darrel is seen with Sodapop at the hospital tearfully reuniting with Ponyboy, relieved that he is safe. They all go home and the next day Darrel is seen playing around with the other boys and talking to Ponyboy about the circumstances regarding the case involving Johnny, Ponyboy, and Bob. Darrel is visibly worried about Ponyboy but nevertheless leaves him in Two-bit’s care.

Later on, Darrel is seen getting ready for the big rumble and talking to Ponyboy concerned that he doesn’t seem to be doing too well and recommends he sit out from the rumble, but nonetheless allows him to participate as along as he is careful. Darrel then bursts out the door with the others following suit, they celebrate while walking on street to the site of the rumble. Darrel instructs Ponyboy and Sodapop to run away if they see any cops during the rumble.

Darrel and the other boys arrive to the site of the rumble and greet Tim Shepard, who compliments Ponyboy for taking down one of the Socs. It is then that the Socs arrive in a flock of cars, Darrel and the greasers then stand firm ready to rumble. As the Socs approach, Darrel instructs Ponyboy to stay close to him so that he can keep him safe and he agrees. One of the Socs greets Darrel who in turn greets and calls him Paul. Two-Bit explains to Tim that Darrel and Paul used to play football together in high school when they were younger.

Suddenly Dallas arrives, momentarily distracting Ponyboy long enough for a Soc to punch him in the face signaling the start of the brawl. Darrel easily dispatches Paul and several other Socs, but is cornered eventually as he is heard yelling out for Ponyboy as he is outnumbered. Eventually Darrel takes out Paul who flees, and gets to Ponyboy and takes out two of the Socs who are beating on him. Darrel and the other Greasers celebrate their victory, while Dallas carries Ponyboy away to the hospital.

Later, Darrel is seen with Sodapop, Steve, and Two-Bit exhausted and tending to their injuries from the rumble. When Ponyboy comes home, he at first is angry wondering where he was but then notices that he is depressed and asks if something is wrong. Ponyboy then sadly tells him that “Johnny is Dead” leaving Darrel frozen in shock and disbelief.

While Darrel and the others are mourning Johnny’s death, they receive a phone call from Dallas to let them know that he just robbed a convenience store and he needs their help. Darrel and the others quickly leave to meet with Dallas, however they are not fast enough and to their horror they witness Dallas being gunned down by the police. They arrive just in time to see Dallas draw his last breath while saying “Pony” before collapsing dead. Darrel devastated screams at Dallas and the police for their foolishness. When suddenly Ponyboy combined with exhaustion and his injuries from the rumble causes him to collapse while Darrel and Sodapop rush to his side.

Later on, Darrel and Sodapop are seen taking care of Ponyboy while he is bedridden. Darrel along with Sodapop is seen again in the courtroom for Ponyboy’s trial, he watches as Ponyboy testifies and is visibly concerned while sweating. Darrel along with his brothers wait for the verdict, and are relieved and delighted when Ponyboy is found not guilty of all charges and is left in Darrel’s custody. The three brothers are then seen hugging, delighted and relieved that everything is finally over.

Towards the end of the film, Darrel is seen eating dinner with Ponyboy and Sodapop when they start arguing again. Sodapop runs off with Darrel and Ponyboy chasing after him onto a field. Sodapop pleads with them to fight no longer and to please do the best then can at it and both Ponyboy and Darrel agree, while tearfully hugging each other.

References

  1. Revealed by S.E Hinton
  2. Revealed in The Outsiders, page 6
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