Main Characters
This character is the novel's narrator and protagonist who writes his story during English class.
Ponyboy Curtis
This character is Two-Bit Matthews' crush who appears in several scenes of the novel.
Marcia
What is the violent confrontation between the whole Greaser gang and all of the Socs that serves as a major plot point called?
The Rumble
This is Johnny's final message to Ponyboy.
"Stay gold, Ponyboy."
This is the Greaser's neighborhood.
The East Side
This character is Ponyboy's oldest brother who becomes the guardian of the family after their parents' death.
Darry Curtis
This character is Cherry Valance's boyfriend who is a Soc and plays a significant role in the conflict between the Greasers and Socs.
Bob Sheldon
What is the incident with Bob that led to Ponyboy and Johnny's life-changing events?
Bob's murder
Cherry's statement to Ponyboy about the social struggles both gangs face.
"Things are rough all over."
This is the location of the crucial church scene.
Windrixville
This character is Ponyboy's best friend who dies heroically while saving children from a burning church.
Johnny Cade
This character and his gang help the Greasers during the rumble against the Socs.
Tim Shepard
This moment shows Ponyboy’s growth as he reflects on Johnny’s final letter and its message.
Ponyboy begins writing his English essay.
This is what Ponyboy says to Cherry that shows her Ponyboy sees the Socs as humans, too.
"We saw the same sunset."
This is the name of the drive-in movie theater where Ponyboy meets Cherry.
The Nightly Double
Known as the "coolest" Greaser, this character has a complex personality and is a key leader of the gang.
Dallas Winston
This character represents the moral conscience and bridge between the Greasers and Socs.
Cherry Valance
This is the event that ultimately brings Ponyboy and Darry closer together after their long-standing tension.
Ponyboy sees Darry cry.
This is how Ponyboy starts and ends the novel.
"I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home."
This is the open area where the Greasers and Socs hold their big rumble.
The vacant lot
This character is the light in Ponyboy's life, always living life to the fullest. He can have fun without drinking.
Sodapop Curtis
Sandy
This is what happens at the court hearing that determines Ponyboy’s future after Johnny’s death.
They allow him to stay with Darry.
This is what Ponyboy says about the church that foreshadows future events (the fire).
"If that old church ever caught fire there’d be no stopping it."
This is where Dally takes Ponyboy and Johnny to eat and talk after their time hiding in the church.
Dairy Queen