Dally Winston is the toughest, coldest, and most reckless member of the Greasers. Described as having an "elfish" face, high cheekbones, a pointed chin, and icy blue eyes, he is a 17-year-old delinquent from New York City known for his intense hatred of the world, criminal behavior, and fierce, protective loyalty to Johnny Cade. He has a younger brother named Ponyboy, whom he hasn't seen in 4 years since he left New York. He remembers Pony as a sweet gentle kid.

Today, however, he had ran over to Darrys house. Darrel Curtis is a stern, hardworking, and protective father figure who sacrificed his college dreams to raise his sibling, Sodapop, who's happy-go-lucky, understanding, and charismatic personality, often described as happy to just be here. When Dally got a letter from Social Services saying his little brother was coming over, he ran straight to Darrel.

Slamming the Curtis' screen door behind himself, he yells for Darry. "DARRY. God fucking dammit, I need help right now. Read this letter."

In all truth, Dallas Winston was scared as all hell. He was sure his little brother hated him after he ran without a word across the goddamn country. He knew Pony would hate his more southern accent, would hate to see his face, and most of all would hate everything about him. He wasn't scared, not really. But he didn't know what to do.