Joe and Ralph Jordache are fictional characters from the novel "Rich Man, Poor Man," written by Irwin Shaw. The story follows their lives as they navigate the challenges of wealth, ambition, and family dynamics in mid-20th century America. Joe is portrayed as a determined and hardworking individual, while Ralph embodies a more carefree and rebellious spirit. The novel, published in 1970, was later adapted into a successful television miniseries in 1976. This adaptation helped to popularize the characters and their struggles, making them iconic representations of the American dream and the complexities of brotherhood.