Greasers & Socs
What is the name of the poorer social group, known for their long, greased hair?
Greasers
This tough Greaser is Ponyboy's oldest brother and works two jobs to support the family.
Darry Curtis
What state is the story primarily set in?
Oklahoma
What event leads Ponyboy and Johnny to run away from home?
The murder of Bob Sheldon (or Johnny killing Bob)
This common Greaser symbol represents their identity and often gets them jumped by Socs.
Their hair
What is the name of the wealthier social group, often seen driving fancy cars and wearing madras shirts?
Socs
Often described as the "gang's pet," this Greaser is nervous and jumpy due to his abusive home life.
Johnny Cade
What fast food establishment do Ponyboy and Johnny frequently visit, and where Dally often meets up with them?
Dairy Queen
What act of heroism do Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally perform that changes public perception of them, at least temporarily?
Saving the children from the burning church
This literary device is heavily used throughout the novel, often hinting at future tragic events.
Foreshadowing
This character is the narrator of The Outsiders and a member of the Greasers, who enjoys reading and drawing.
Ponyboy Curtis
This Greaser is the wisecracking joker of the group, known for shoplifting and his switchblade.
Two-Bit Matthews
This significant location is where Johnny Cade tragically dies after being severely burned.
The hospital
What is the outcome of the big rumble between the Greasers and the Socs?
The Greasers winning (or the Socs running away)
The poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost, which Johnny recites to Ponyboy, symbolizes what theme in the novel?
The transience of innocence/youth (or the fleeting nature of good)
This Soc is Cherry Valance's boyfriend and is known for wearing a "terrific" gold ring.
Bob Sheldon
This Soc befriends Ponyboy and Johnny at the drive-in, sharing a mutual dislike for the violence between the gangs.
Cherry Valance
This abandoned building serves as a hiding place for Ponyboy and Johnny after the rumble.
The abandoned church on Jay Mountain
What does Johnny tell Ponyboy to "stay" as he is dying?
Gold
What theme is explored through the differing perspectives of Ponyboy and Cherry Valance regarding sunsets?
Common ground/shared humanity (or that despite their differences, they see the same beauty)
What is the main difference, according to Cherry Valance, between Greasers and Socs, beyond money?
feelings, emotions, implying a deeper connection than just wealth.
This tough, hardened Greaser from New York is the most dangerous and reckless of the gang, often getting into trouble.
Dally Winston
What famous classic novel does Ponyboy read to Johnny while they are hiding out?
Gone with the Wind
What item does Johnny leave for Ponyboy, which Ponyboy later finds and reads?
His copy of Gone with the Wind (with a letter inside)
The eyes of the characters, particularly Darry's "ice-cold" eyes and Johnny's "lost puppy" eyes, often symbolize what about their personalities or situations?
Their true nature/spirit/emotion (or how they perceive the world)