Compare Warren MacDonald and Betty Darr and their relationship to Ralston.

Betty Darr is a personal friend of the Ralston family who is a positive influence. Betty loses the use of her legs but never stops loving the outdoors and appreciates all the time she can in its beauty. MacDonald is not as close a friend, but he too loses his legs. Although he loses his legs in a hiking accident, this does not stop him from surviving and continuing to live and enjoy the outdoors. Ralston uses their influence to stay strong and willful while in the canyon.