Character Motivation
Why does Ponyboy run away from home after Darry hits him?
He feels unloved and overwhelmed after Darry slaps him, so he escapes to feel safe.
What point of view is the novel told from?
First-person (Ponyboy’s perspective)
What is the main external conflict introduced in Chapter 1?
Greasers vs. Socs (social class conflict)
What literary device is used when Ponyboy describes Johnny’s attack by the Socs?
Flashback
What city and time period is The Outsiders set in?
Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s
What motivates Johnny to carry a switchblade?
He was jumped and severely beaten by Socs, so he carries it for protection.
What type of plot structure does the novel mostly follow: linear or nonlinear?
Linear with some nonlinear elements like flashbacks
What type of conflict is Ponyboy vs. Darry?
Person vs. Person (internal family conflict)
What is the effect of the flashback on the reader’s understanding of Johnny’s character?
It explains why Johnny is so nervous and afraid of the Socs
What location do the Greasers and Socs commonly clash at?
The vacant lot or the park
Why does Dally sneak into the movies without paying?
He enjoys breaking rules and rebelling against society.
What event happens first: the movie theater scene or Johnny getting jumped?
Johnny getting jumped (revealed in flashback)
What internal conflict does Johnny struggle with after his attack?
Fear and trauma from being beaten; lack of safety
What is an example of foreshadowing in Chapter 3?
Ponyboy says “things gotta get better,” which hints they may not
How does the setting contribute to the Greasers’ identity?
It reinforces their poverty, brotherhood, and connection to their neighborhood
Why does Cherry Valance decide to talk to Ponyboy and Johnny at the drive-in?
She sees they're different from other Greasers and wants to connect.
How is the story’s exposition developed in Chapter 1?
Through Ponyboy’s thoughts, background, and character introductions
How does Ponyboy resolve his conflict after running away?
He seeks help from Dally, who gives him a plan
How does the author build suspense through foreshadowing?
By giving vague hints of future events (e.g., “you could see the sunset real good from the back steps”)
Why is the drive-in an important setting in Chapters 2–3?
It’s where the social barrier between Greasers and Socs begins to blur
Why does Soda act as a peacemaker between Darry and Ponyboy?
He loves both and wants to keep their family together after their parents died.
What major event marks the rising action in Chapters 1–3?
Ponyboy and Johnny running away after Johnny kills Bob
What deeper societal conflict does the Greasers vs. Socs conflict represent?
Economic and social inequality
What is the purpose of including Ponyboy’s daydreams and memories throughout the chapters?
To reveal his personality and provide background (nonlinear structure)
How do Ponyboy’s observations about sunsets reflect society in the novel?
They show that despite social class, everyone experiences beauty and pain alike