He has been getting in trouble since he was young because he hates rules and he had little guidance. He acts as if nothing bothers him, but really everything does. He is angry to be treated as a "thug", but he doesn't know how else to act. He is angry when people challenge him or discriminate against him, and acts out violently. But despite all these negative characteristics, he has love for his friends. He helps Ponyboy and Johnny immediately, giving them all he can. He runs into the church to help, because his friends are in there. He loves Johnny like a brother, because he recognizes and cherishes the vulnerable, kind side to Johnny. It is Johnny's death that pushes Dally over the edge, causing him to seek out his own death.