By subverting stereotypical roles, O. Henry suggests that violence begets power, and those with power rely on cruelty to maintain their superior position. Sam and Bill are initially depicted as cruel and violent, as they plan and execute the kidnapping of a 10-year-old boy. During the kidnapping, Johnny fights against them, but they force him into the bottom of the buggy. As the story progresses, Bill makes a few violent comments, such as asking Sam for a gun and referring to the Biblical story of King Herod. He also boxes Johnny’s ears when Johnny burns him with a boiled potato. Ironically, the two career criminals who kidnap a child are not the most violent characters in “The Ransom of Red Chief.” Additionally, the con men are characterized as powerless against Ebenezer and Johnny Dorset.

Johnny, self-dubbed “Red Chief,” is the most violent character in the short story. His introduction shows him tormenting a kitten with rocks. After being kidnapped, he turns all his violent energy onto Bill, whom he does not respect. He hits Bill with rocks twice, first hitting him in the eye during the kidnapping and later slinging a large rock and knocking the man unconscious.