Darrel 'Darry' Curtis

From the Outsiders Wiki

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. Additionally, he 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. The other Greasers nickname him "Superman" or "Muscles," but Steve once made the mistake of calling him "all brawn and no brain," and Darry almost shattered Steve's jaw.

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, Ponyboy says he only understands cold hard facts. 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 to college, but won't because of financial problems and he doesn't want to leave his younger brothers.

Pre-The Outsiders: Darrel was born on January 5, 1945, to Darrel Curtis Sr. and Mrs. Curtis. Later his brothers Sodapop Curtis and Ponyboy Curtis would be born. Darrel would grow up with his family and attend high school, where he played football. While still a young adult, his parents would die in a car wreck. As a result, it caused Darrel to take responsibility for his brothers, and begin to work full-time.

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. However, 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 slaps Pony's face 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 the church with Johnny and it says that Darrel apologizes for hitting him.

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 rumble with the Socs. While doing so, he was 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 was Paul Holden, whom was talking to Darrel. 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 had died, 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 were too late, but just in time to see Dallas get shot 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. In The Outsiders: The Complete Novel, a scene originally from the book displays Darrel along with Sodapop in the courtroom for Ponyboy’s trial. He watches as Ponyboy testifies and is visibly concerned and sweating nervously. Darrel, along with his brothers wait for the verdict, and are relieved when Ponyboy is found not guilty of all charges and is left in Darrel’s custody. The three brothers are then seen hugging, delighted that a positive outcome came from the trial.

Towards the end of the film, the Curtis brothers were having dinner, when Ponyboy and Darrel begin to argue again. Ponyboy attempts to drag Sodapop into the situation, wanting his brother to choose a side. As a result, Sodapop runs off. Shortly after, Darrel and Ponyboy chase after him onto a field. Sodapop admits that he can't take sides, because he sees both sides. He also reminds them they're all they have left, and he pleads with them not to fight anymore. Darrel and Ponyboy agree, and hug before running back home.