Character Traits
This character is described as “law-abiding” before the attack.
Who is Johnny?
Give one piece of evidence that Johnny was seriously injured.
What is Answers will vary: “cut up and bruised,” “wide gash,” etc?
“Things are rough all over.”
What does this mean?
What is Everyone has struggles?
How does Johnny change after the attack?
What is Becomes fearful and more defensive ?
What is one theme from this excerpt?
What is Trauma / empathy / social division?
This character shows compassion by comforting Johnny.
Who is sodapop?
What evidence shows Johnny is scared after the attack?
What is “never walked by himself,” “carried a switchblade”?
“It was killing Johnny.”
What does this reveal?
What is 'His home life and trauma are deeply harming him'?
What new behavior shows Johnny’s change?
What is Carries a switchblade?
What does the story suggest about stereotypes?
What is They are often inaccurate?
This character appears tough but shows a softer emotional side.
Who is Dally?
Give evidence that the gang cares about Johnny.
What is they gather around him, Soda holds him, etc?
“He would kill the next person who jumped him.”
What does this show?
What is Johnny has become fearful and defensive?
How does Ponyboy’s thinking change?
What is he sees Socs as more similar to Greasers
How does the excerpt show empathy?
What is Characters begin to understand each other?
This character challenges Ponyboy’s assumptions about Socs.
Who is Cherry?
What detail shows Dally is affected emotionally?
What is “sick expression on his face”?
“We’re sophisticated — cool to the point of not feeling anything.”
What does this reveal about Socs?
What is they hide emotions and lack authenticity?
Why is Johnny’s change significant?
What is it shows trauma can alter behavior and identity?
What does Johnny’s story reveal about violence?
What is It has lasting emotional effects?
This character begins to question stereotypes about social groups.
Who is Ponyboy?
Provide evidence that Ponyboy begins to understand Socs.
What is “I believe you,” noticing similarities with music like both groups likingThe Beatles and thinking Elvis Presley is tough?
“I had seen Johnny take a whipping… and never let out a whimper.”
Why is this important?
What is Shows how much the attack changed him?
Explain how the attack acts as a turning point for Johnny.
Student must explain with evidence
How does Cherry contribute to the theme?
What is She shows both groups face struggles?