Throughout SE Hinton's novel The Outsiders, the character of Bob Sheldon plays a significant role in both the plot and the development of other characters. Bob, a member of the Socs, is portrayed as a violent, privileged teenager who constantly antagonizes the Greasers, the novel's main characters. This essay will explore the character of Bob Sheldon, his age, and his impact on the story. By examining his actions, his relationships, and the consequences of his choices, it becomes apparent that Bob's age, being older than most of the characters, contributes to the dynamics and conflicts within the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Bob Sheldon, at the age of eighteen, holds a position of authority within the Socs gang. Being older than most of his peers, Bob is seen as a leader and has some dominance over them. This age difference gives him a sense of maturity and control that he often exploits. For example, when Bob meets Ponyboy Curtis, a Greaser, he uses his age as a way to assert his superiority: "You know what a Greaser is? White trash with long hair." (Hinton 7). By pointing out the age difference, Bob attempts to belittle Ponyboy and establish his dominance. This age-based power dynamic is a recurring theme throughout the novel, highlighting the importance of Bob's age in shaping his interactions with others. Being older and more experienced, Bob has had more time to engage in violent activities and become numb to their consequences. He has a reputation for being particularly ruthless, often resorting to physical violence to resolve conflicts. His age seems to reinforce this behavior, as he is less likely to consider the long-term consequences of his actions. This is evident when Bob and his gang attack Johnny and Ponyboy, eventually leading Johnny to kill Bob in self-defense. The narrator describes Bob's violent tendencies: "Bob had been a good fighter... He always bullied his girlfriend, and if you looked at them closely, you could see that he always bullied her." (Hinton 56). Bob's aggressive nature, influenced by his age, fuels conflicts between the Socs and the Greasers, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. Bob's age plays a crucial role in his relationship with Cherry Valance, a Soc girl who becomes disillusioned with the gang's violence. Cherry, who is also older than Ponyboy and his friends, sees Bob as someone she can no longer identify with. Despite being Bob's girlfriend, she begins to distance herself from him due to his aggressive behavior and lack of empathy. Cherry expresses her concerns about Bob's behavior to Ponyboy: "Bob was getting worse lately... He could have killed you just as easily as they killed those boys." (Hinton 41). Cherry's awareness of Bob's age, combined with his violent tendencies, makes her question their relationship and pushes her to seek a different path. This dynamic demonstrates how Bob's age not only affects his actions, but also influences the perceptions and choices of those around him. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Bob Sheldon's age is a significant factor in understanding his character and his impact on the events of The Outsiders. Being older than most of the characters, Bob exercises a sense of authority and dominance that he uses to assert his superiority. His age also contributes to his violent behavior and aggressive nature, as he has had more time to.