How are Dally and Bob similar?

Both Dally and Bob are among the most hot-headed and violent members of the greasers and the Socs in S. E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders. Both boys are seemingly very different: Dallas Winston grew up on the streets of New York and is proud of his lengthy juvenile police record; he has even spent some time in jail. Bob Sheldon is a wealthy older teen who is not new to trouble but who has apparently never been arrested for his misdeeds. (It is the ring-laden Bob who beats Johnny Cade so severely prior to the retelling of the novel.)

Dally and Bob are both downright mean, although their kinder moments are also revealed. Dally has a soft spot for Johnny Cade, and he is devastated after Johnny dies. Bob's girlfriend, Cherry Valance, relates that Bob is sweet and friendly when he hasn't been drinking. Cherry herself is attracted to both boys. But for the most part, they are the two most violent members of their respective gangs. Bob uses alcohol and his fists to fuel his hatred of the greasers; his large rings are an identifying trademark. He seems to take pleasure in stalking and attacking outnumbered greasers. Dally also enjoys fights, and he has been known to use a knife when necessary; he also owns a handgun. His hatred of the Socs is equal to Bob's dislike of the greasers. Both eventually die through their own violent, seemingly uncontrollable actions.