Answer: Johnny is a hero because he used his heroic qualities to help people. He knew the children inside were in danger and needed help so he just did what was right. When the church building caught on fire, Johnny acted as bravely as those southern gentlemen who "[rode] into sure death because they were gallant." Despite his abusive background, Johhny still put others before himself, going into the church to rescue trapped kids without a second thought to his own personal safety. He soon followed up with evacuating the premise with the kids safely long enough. Johnny's actions were extremely heroic, shoving Ponyboy through the window at the last second. He saved his friend, and in the process, sacrificed himself.
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