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 the Socs.
In what decade is The Outsiders set?
1960s
What does “tuff” mean in Greaser slang?
Cool or sharp
What is a major difference between how the Socs and the Greasers deal with emotions?
Socs hide their feelings; Greasers show them.
Which character is Ponyboy’s oldest brother?
Darry
Why do Ponyboy and Johnny run away?
Johnny killed a Soc to protect Ponyboy.
What are the names of the two rival groups in the story?
Greasers and Socs
What is a “rumble”?
A gang fight
What theme is shown when Ponyboy realizes the Socs have problems too?
People from different backgrounds have similar struggles.
Who is described as the “pet” of the gang?
Johnny
Where do Johnny and Ponyboy hide after the incident in the park?
An abandoned church in Windrixville.
What part of town do the Greasers live in?
The East Side
What does “dig” mean when a Greaser says “I dig it”?
I like it
What theme is shown when Darry gives up college to care for his brothers?
Family responsibility or sacrifice
Which Greaser is known for his sense of humor and loves cars?
Sodapop
What book does Ponyboy read to Johnny while they’re hiding?
Gone with the Wind
What kind of car do the Socs usually drive?
A blue Mustang
What is a “heater” in the book?
A gun
How does the way characters talk about their hair reflect a deeper theme?
Hair symbolizes identity and pride, especially for the Greasers.
Which character carries a switchblade and has a rough, street-smart attitude?
Dally
What heroic act do Ponyboy and Johnny perform at the church?
They save children from the burning building.
Where do Ponyboy and Johnny go to find help after the fight in the park?
To Dally at Buck Merril’s place
What does it mean when Ponyboy says Johnny looked “as white as a ghost”?
He looked very pale or scared
Why is the line “things are rough all over” important to the story’s message?
It shows that everyone, no matter their background, faces struggles.