Characters
This character is the protagonist and narrator of the story.
Who is Ponyboy Curtis?
The rumble between the greasers and the Socs takes place in this location.
Where is the vacant lot?
The symbol that represents the division between the greasers and the Socs.
What is the "line" or the "track"?
One of the central themes of the novel, it's the idea that people should not be judged solely based on their social status. (a common saying)
What is the theme of "Don't judge a book by its cover"?
his character famously says, "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."
Who is Johnny Cade?
The oldest Curtis brother who is responsible for taking care of his younger siblings.
Who is Darry Curtis?
Johnny kills a Soc in self-defense when they threaten Ponyboy, leading to this major event in the story.
What is the murder of Bob Sheldon?
The emblem that the greasers wear to show their gang affiliation.
What is a switchblade or a blade?
The story emphasizes the importance of this aspect in a person's life and identity.
What is family?
"That was then, this is now" is a quote that reflects this character's outlook on life.
Who is Ponyboy Curtis?
The charismatic and daring member of the greasers who always has a switchblade.
Who is Dallas Winston (Dally)?
This is the name of the newspaper article written by Ponyboy at the end of the book.
What is "The Outsiders"?
This represents the connection between Ponyboy and Johnny and their desire for a better life.
What is the sunrise or "Gone with the Wind"?
The novel explores the concept of loyalty, as the greasers are fiercely loyal to one another.
What is loyalty?
This quote reflects the theme of identity: "I am a greaser. I am a JD and a hood. I blacken the name of our fair city."
Who is Ponyboy Curtis?
The youngest member of the gang and the gang's pet.
Who is Johnny Cade?
Ponyboy recites this poem by Robert Frost to Johnny while they are in hiding.
What is "Nothing Gold Can Stay"?
The burning church symbolizes this concept in the story.
What is hope or rebirth?
This theme deals with the struggle to find one's place in the world and the search for identity.
What is the theme of "Coming of age"?
This character says, "I'm not afraid of them. It ain't gonna be that way."
Who is Dally Winston?
The tough and protective older brother of Ponyboy and Sodapop.
Who is Sodapop Curtis?
The book's title, "The Outsiders," refers to the division between these two social groups. Who are the greasers and the Socs?
Who are the greasers and the Socs?
This represents the harsh realities of life that Ponyboy and other greasers face.
What is the sunset?
This theme explores Jhonny's sitiation at home.
What is violence?
"You get tough like me and you don't get hurt. You look out for yourself and nothin' can touch you." This quote is attributed to this character.
Who is Dallas Winston (Dally)?