The Outsiders

Since their parents' deaths, the relationship between the brothers has changed. From Ponyboy's narration, we can see that he is most attached to Soda, who protects and looks out for him in a brotherly fashion. They joke around, hang out, and share secrets.... just like most brothers. Darry, however, has lost the status of the older brother and mentor, as he's been forced to become not one parent but two. Note, this doesn't mean that Darry's brothers' care has been forced upon him, as he willingly takes on this role to keep them all together. What I mean is that as the head of the household, he's had to change.... he has to be responsible, he has to supervise and have expectations because without them, he will lose his brothers.