Characters
Who is the narrator of The Outsiders?
Ponyboy Curtis
What happens to Ponyboy on his way home from the movies in Chapter 1?
He gets jumped by Socs
What U.S. city and decade is the story set in?
Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s
Who says, “Things are rough all over”?
Cherry Valance
What does hair symbolize for the Greasers?
Their identity and pride
Which Curtis brother is known for his good looks and charm?
Sodapop
Where do Ponyboy, Dally, and Johnny meet Cherry and Marcia?
At the drive-in movie
What are the two main social groups in the story?
Greasers and Socs
Who says, “I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me”?
Ponyboy
What theme is shown when Cherry and Ponyboy realize they see the same sunset?
Shared humanity / breaking social barriers
Who is the tough Greaser with a criminal record who helps Johnny and Ponyboy later?
Dally (Dallas Winston)
Why does Darry hit Ponyboy in Chapter 3?
Ponyboy comes home late after falling asleep in the lot
What are the main differences between the Greasers and the Socs?
Socs are rich and privileged; Greasers are poor and judged as troublemakers
How does Ponyboy feel different from the other Greasers?
He’s more sensitive and loves reading and movies
What theme is shown through the conflict between the Greasers and Socs?
Class division and misunderstanding
Who is the shy Greaser who was badly beaten by Socs before the story began?
Johnny Cade
What does Ponyboy decide to do after Darry hits him?
He runs away with Johnny
What kind of cars do the Socs usually drive?
Mustangs (especially blue ones)
Why does Cherry say she could fall in love with Dally?
She likes his realness and confidence, even though she knows he’s trouble
What symbol shows Ponyboy’s innocence and sensitivity?
Sunsets
Which Soc girl shows kindness and challenges stereotypes about her group?
Cherry Valance
What weapon does Johnny carry, and why?
A switchblade—because he was jumped by Socs before and is scared
Why do the Greasers feel the world is unfair?
They’re judged by appearance and class, not character
How do Ponyboy and Cherry connect, despite being from different groups?
They both appreciate sunsets and understand that people are similar deep down
What theme begins to develop through the friendship between the Greasers?
Brotherhood and loyalty despite hardship