Throughout SE Hinton's novel The Outsiders, the character of Bob Sheldon plays an important role in both the plot and the development of other characters. Bob, a member of the Socs, is portrayed as a violent and privileged teenager who constantly antagonizes the Greasers, the main characters of the novel. 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 the majority 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Eighteen-year-old Bob Sheldon holds a position of authority within the Socs gang. Being older than most of his peers, Bob is seen as a leader and exerts a degree of 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 to assert his superiority: “You know what a greaser is? A long-haired white trash. (Hinton 7). By emphasizing the age difference, Bob attempts to demean Ponyboy and establish his dominance. This age-based power dynamic is a recurring theme throughout the novel, emphasizing the importance of Bob's age in shaping his interactions with others. Being older and more experienced, Bob had more time to engage in violent activities and become desensitized 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, ultimately leading Johnny to kill Bob in self-defense. The narrator describes Bob's violent tendencies: "Bob had been a good fighter... He was always roughing up his girlfriend, and if you looked at them closely, you could see that he was always roughing her up. (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 disillusioned by the gang's violence. Cherry, who is also older than Ponyboy and his friends, views Bob as someone she can no longer relate to. Although she is 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 has been worse lately... He could have killed you just as easily as those guys." (Hinton 41). Cherry's realization of Bob's age, combined with his violent tendencies, leads her to question their relationship and pushes her to seek a different path. This dynamic demonstrates how Bob's age not only affects his own actions, but also influences the perceptions and choices of those around him. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Bob Sheldon's age is an important factor in understanding his character and his impact on the events of The Outsiders. Being older than most of the characters, Bob exerts 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.