Ponyboy is different from the other Greasers because:
He doesn't believe in fighting unless it is self defence. Unlike the other Greasers, he doesn't fight out of hatred, or pride, or for fun, like Sodapop. Ponyboy knows that fighting does no good. Ponyboy is dreamy and artistic unlike the other Greasers. Darry complains that he 'doesn't use his head', and does't think of carrying a knife or other weapon around with him. Ponyboy watches the sunset. He reads books and loves going to the movies. The Greasers can't understand this, and the only one who seems to is Cherry Valance, who says she loves watching the sunset too. Ponyboy seems to also like poetry, and recites the poem 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' by Robert Frost to Johnny when they are hiding in the church. When watching the sun rise, Ponyboy wishes that he had some paints and could paint a picture of the beautiful colours. None of the other Greasers are as dreamy, artistic or poetic as Ponyboy, and prefer to go wild, get drunk and get into fights instead.