Characters
This character narrates the story and enjoys reading and watching sunsets.
Who is Ponyboy Curtis?
This is where Ponyboy is when the novel begins.
What is leaving the movie theater?
This color of car is often associated with the Socs and symbolizes danger or power.
What is blue?
“Things are rough all over, but it was better that way.”
Who is Cherry Valance?
In The Outsiders, what is the primary cause of the conflict between the Greasers and the Socs?
What is class division and social inequality?
This character is tough, cold, and originally from New York. He cares deeply for Johnny.
Who is Dallas (Dally) Winston?
Johnny kills this Soc in self-defense during a fight in the park.
Who is Bob Sheldon?
This Robert Frost poem symbolizes innocence and the fleeting nature of youth.
What is "Nothing Gold Can Stay"?
“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold...”
Johnny Cade?
Which character from the Socs becomes friends with Ponyboy and helps him realize that both groups have their struggles?
Who is Cherry Valance?
Known for his movie-star looks and charm, this greaser often tries to keep peace between his brothers.
Who is Sodapop Curtis?
Ponyboy and Johnny hide out in this location after the incident in the park.
What is an abandoned church?
This recurring natural image represents peace, beauty, and the connection between Ponyboy and Cherry.
What is the sunset?
We're all we have left. We ought to be able to stick together against anything."
Darry Curtis
What is the name of the event where the Greasers and Socs have a confrontation that leads to a violent fight?
What is the rumble?
This Soc girl becomes friends with Ponyboy and is a spy for the greasers.
Who is Cherry Valance?
The event that brings the greasers and Socs together for a final showdown.
What is the rumble?
One major theme in the novel is that people from different backgrounds share this human trait.
What is suffering / emotions / humanity?
"I am a Greaser... and I don't like to talk about it."
Ponyboy Curtis
Which Greaser character is known for his wild behavior and is considered the “tough” one in the group, even though he struggles with his emotions?
Who is Dallas "Dally" Winston?
This quiet, sensitive greaser carries a switchblade for protection and becomes a hero in a church fire.
Who is Johnny Cade?
This tragic event happens shortly after the church fire and deeply affects Dally and Ponyboy.
What is Johnny's death?
This phrase, spoken by Johnny before his death, becomes a symbol of preserving innocence despite hardship.
What is "Stay gold"?
"You get a little money, you don’t have to be a Greaser anymore."
Cherry Valance
What important realization does Ponyboy have about the Socs after his conversation with Cherry Valance at the drive-in movie?
What is that the Socs have their own problems and aren’t as different from the Greasers as he once thought?