Dallas could be a great addition. He has that tough exterior and his relationship with Johnny and Ponyboy is complex. His presence could add some drama and conflict. Another good character could be Sodapop. He's Ponyboy's brother and his kind and fun - loving nature could balance out the more intense moments between Johnny and Ponyboy.
In this fanfiction, it might be due to his poor living conditions. He doesn't always have the best food or a warm, clean place to stay. His body could be weakened from not getting enough nutrition, which makes him more likely to get sick. Also, the emotional turmoil he goes through with losing friends and dealing with the Socs could take a toll on his immune system.
Friendship is a common theme. Since they are friends in the original story, fanfics often explore the deeper aspects of their friendship and how it could develop further.
Ponyboy Curtis is a complex character. He's sensitive and intelligent. He loves to read and watch movies, which sets him apart from some of the other greasers. He has a strong sense of loyalty to his gang, the greasers. For example, he's always there for his brothers, Sodapop and Darry, even when they have their differences. His love for his friends is also evident in how he stands up for them during the rumbles with the Socs.
The other characters' reactions could vary. Some of the more hot - headed gang members might initially be impatient about Ponyboy being sick and not being able to participate in their activities. But as they see how serious it is, they would come around. The Socs, if they knew, might not care much on the surface, but there could be a few who feel a bit of sympathy, especially if they start to see Ponyboy as more than just an 'outsider'. And the girls in the story, if there are any, would probably be very motherly and bring things like soup and warm blankets for Ponyboy.
In the fanfic, Johnny's character might be more developed. In the original, his story was somewhat limited, but the fanfic could expand on his backstory, his thoughts, and his emotions more comprehensively.
If Ponyboy was a girl, her relationship with Sodapop would likely be different. Sodapop might be more protective of her. Their sibling bond could have a different dynamic, with Sodapop perhaps being more cautious about her getting involved in the gang's activities.
Definitely. There are fanfics that take the events from the original 'The Outsiders' and expand on them from Dally and Johnny's perspective. They might add more backstories or create new situations for the two characters. It's really interesting to see how different authors interpret their relationship and develop it in their own unique ways.