Tim Shepard, why are you so popular?

[Tensleep]

I'll expand on what I already have up because I can! That and I forgot I already posted for this one...go figure! Anyways, on with the post!

Ah, Timmy, Tim, Tim, Tim.... I think he's so popular because he's the next step up. His gang was described as being just slightly more hard core and once we've all got the mushy Curtis love plots out of the way, we look over that way and think about all the wild plots we could put him in that would be out of character for the gang.

That and there's so little on him. Like everyone has pointed out, he's easy to manipulate and who's to say you're wrong? I like that, not being wrong, part.

As well, you get Curly in the bargain. From what I've read, everyone seems to find something stupid for him to do. Not that you couldn't put him and Pony in an adventure or something, but I think we all like reading Tim dealing with him. His harsh older brother side is interesting. Which brings up that he's harsh to his gang members. And there you have the possibility for a whole world of new characters. And yet again, who can say you're wrong?

For me, personally, he's convenient for a plot bunny here and there. He stirs things up a little between dull chapters. Plus, he's just shady enough for The River King to work. Couldn't ask for more.

As you all can tell I'm finally catching up on back posts! Go lazy me!

See ya in the funny papers!!!

Tens

[fairlane]

I love writing Tim and his dealings with Curly, maybe too much lol. When I first read The Outsiders the part that really struck me was the relationship between the Curtis brothers, I loved all their interactions and couldn't get enough of it. Especially the relationship between Pony and Darry with all their mis-understandings.

So I enjoy doing the same with Tim and Curly, even if Tim's motivations are different to Darry's it's still fun - actually I think it's more fun showing an older brother who is a corrupting influence.

[fosterchild]

I know he's technically a corrupting influence but I think it's only because it's all he knows....

[zevie]

I love the Curly/Tim/Angela family dynamics too! Yeah, I think Tim thinks he's helping Curly out by grooming him for his gang the same way Darry wants to help Pony. Just a different view of life.

[Keira]

marsonfire said:

I always wondered how Darry and Tim would get along...there's not too much fan fic out there with the two of them interacting, although I remember one where Darry had been involved in some shady stuff with Tim, it was pretty interesting.

There's a fantastic scene between Darry and Tim in Liz's (NittanyLizard's) story Ten Years Later in which Darry hunts down Tim at his "work" and they have a little bit of an friendly confrontation. If you haven't read that story, I'd definitely reccomend it.