That Was Then, This Is Now Characters: A Complete Guide to S.E. Hinton's Beloved Novel
S.E. Hinton's That Was Then, This Is Now, published in 1967, remains one of the most compelling coming-of-age novels in American literature. Day to day, set in the 1960s, the story explores the diverging paths of two brothers and the social turbulence that tears their bond apart. At the heart of this powerful narrative are the That Was Then, This Is Now characters, each of whom represents a different facet of adolescence, loyalty, and moral conflict. Understanding these characters is essential to appreciating the novel's deeper themes about friendship, growth, and the painful distance that can form between people who once shared everything.
Introduction to the Novel and Its World
Before diving into the individual characters, it is worth noting that That Was Then, This Is Now is a standalone novel by S.E. Hinton, the same author who wrote The Outsiders. While it shares thematic DNA with her earlier work — including the struggles of teenage life, class divides, and the search for identity — this novel takes a more mature look at what happens when childhood friendships collide with adulthood. The title itself captures the central tension of the story: the gap between who we were and who we have become.
The story is set in a small Oklahoma town and follows Bryon Douglas, a teenager who narrates the events of a few intense months in his life. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of social change, drug culture, and shifting values, forcing each character to confront difficult choices.
Bryon Douglas: The Narrator and Moral Compass
Bryon Douglas is the protagonist and first-person narrator of the novel. He is a thoughtful, somewhat introspective teenager who is trying to figure out his place in the world. In real terms, unlike his older brother Mark, who is more street-smart and hardened, Bryon is still searching for direction. He works at the local Burger King and is dating Cathy Carlson, a girl who represents stability and normalcy in his life.
Bryon's character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel. On the flip side, as the story progresses, Bryon witnesses the destructive consequences of Mark's actions and the broader culture of violence and drug dealing. Practically speaking, he begins the story as someone who idolizes Mark and admires the "glue" gang's sense of loyalty and freedom. His growing discomfort with this lifestyle leads him to make a decision that ultimately changes everything between the two brothers.
What makes Bryon such a relatable character is his internal struggle. Still, he is a regular kid trying to do the right thing, even when doing so means risking the most important relationship in his life. He is not a hero in the traditional sense. His journey from blind loyalty to independent moral judgment is the emotional backbone of the entire novel.
Mark Douglas: The Troubled Older Brother
Mark Douglas is Bryon's older brother, though he is not Bryon's biological sibling — he was adopted into the family. Mark is the leader of a group of friends known as the "glue" gang, and he exudes a tough, rebellious energy that draws others to him. He is charismatic, streetwise, and fiercely loyal to his friends, but his loyalty often leads him down a destructive path.
Mark's character is complex and somewhat contradictory. He has a code of honor, even if it is a rough and sometimes dangerous one. Looking at it differently, his involvement in drug dealing, fighting, and criminal activity puts him at odds with the changing world around him. On one hand, he genuinely cares about Bryon and the people in his circle. Mark represents the allure of the counterculture and the temptation to reject societal norms, but he also embodies the consequences of refusing to grow or adapt.
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One of the most fascinating aspects of Mark's character is his emotional guardedness. And he has a relationship with Charlene, but it is marked by instability and tension. Also, he struggles to express vulnerability and often masks his deeper feelings with bravado and aggression. By the end of the novel, Mark's future becomes uncertain, and readers are left to grapple with whether he will change or remain trapped in the cycle of violence.
Cathy Carlson: Bryon's Steady Girlfriend
Cathy Carlson is Bryon's girlfriend and serves as a grounding force in his life. And she is sweet, caring, and represents the kind of normal, wholesome life that Bryon secretly desires but feels unworthy of. Cathy is not a passive character; she has her own opinions and concerns, particularly about Bryon's association with Mark and the glue gang.
Cathy's role in the novel highlights the contrast between two worlds: the safe, predictable world of dating and school, and the dangerous, chaotic world of the streets. Her relationship with Bryon adds an emotional layer to the story, as Bryon must decide whether to hold onto this stable connection or let it go in favor of the loyalty he feels toward his brother.
Charlene: Mark's Complicated Love Interest
Charlene is Mark's girlfriend and a member of the glue gang. Think about it: she is tough and independent, much like Mark, but she also carries a deep sadness beneath her exterior. Her relationship with Mark is volatile, and she often serves as a mirror reflecting the dysfunction that exists within the group.
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Charlene's character adds depth to the novel by showing that the struggles of the glue gang are not limited to the male characters. She faces her own pressures and expectations, and her presence underscores the idea that the toxic culture of the group affects everyone involved, regardless of gender.
M&M: The Drug Dealer
M&M is When it comes to characters in the novel because he represents the drug culture that, creeping into the community is hard to beat. That said, he is a drug dealer who supplies marijuana and other substances to the glue gang and the broader neighborhood. M&M is not portrayed as a villain in the traditional sense, but rather as a product of his environment — someone who sees dealing drugs as a way to make money and gain status.
His character serves as a cautionary figure. Through M&M, Hinton illustrates how easy it is for young people to become entangled in illegal activities, especially when there is little economic opportunity and few positive role models. M&M's eventual downfall is one of the novel's most sobering moments.
Other Notable Characters
Beyond the main characters, That Was Then, This Is Now features several supporting figures who help flesh out the world of the novel:
- Charlie: A member of the glue gang who is more cautious than Mark but still caught up in the group's activities.
- Earl: Another friend of Mark and Bryon who represents the loyal but sometimes misguided side of teenage friendship.
- The Judge: A local authority figure who represents the tension between youth culture and adult authority.
Each of these characters plays a role in reinforcing the novel's central themes and in creating a vivid, believable world that readers can immerse themselves in.
Thematic Significance of the Characters
What makes the That Was Then, This Is Now characters so memorable is not just their individual personalities but the way they embody the novel's larger themes. Bryon and Mark represent the universal tension between childhood and adulthood, between loyalty and moral independence. Their relationship is a microcosm of the broader social changes happening in the 1960s,
