The Outsiders Facts & Worksheets

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“The Outsiders” is a popular coming-of-age novel by S.E. Hinton, mostly written when she was just 16 years old. Published in 1967, the book is about two gangs in the 1960s, the Greasers and the Socs, who clash in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The story is told from the point of view of the teenage main character, Ponyboy Curtis. The book’s main themes are friendship, loyalty, and finding yourself, which have made it a popular read among young readers. The book was adapted as a film in 1983 and as a television series in 1990.

See the fact file below for more information about The Outsiders, or you can download our 23-page The Outsiders worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

AUTHOR INFORMATION

• S.E. Hinton, born Susan Eloise Hinton on July 22, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, wrote the coming-of-age novel “The Outsiders.”
• Growing up in a town where teenagers were divided by their backgrounds, Hinton got ideas for her stories from her own experiences. 
• She attended Will Rogers High School, where she saw the rivalries between different groups of teens, which later inspired her book.
• Hinton started writing “The Outsiders” when she was 15 and finished it while still in high school.
• The book came out in 1967 when she was just 18.
• The novel was praised for showing what real teen life was like and talking about things like friendship and figuring out who you are. 
• Even though some doubted her because she was so young, S.E. Hinton’s book became popular with readers of all ages. 
• After “The Outsiders,” Hinton wrote more books, like “That Was Then, This Is Now” and “Rumble Fish,” which also took place in Tulsa and talked about similar things. 
• Even though she became famous early on, she decided to keep her personal life private and stepped back from being in the public eye.

SETTING AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

• The story of “The Outsiders” takes place in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma, showing how society was split between rich and poor.
• Tulsa is like a small version of the whole country, with different neighborhoods representing different social classes.
• The Greasers, a gang of poorer kids, live on the east side, while the wealthy Socs live on the west side.
• The 1960s were a time of significant changes in America.
• There were fights for equal rights, like for African Americans, and many young people were against the war in Vietnam.
• These issues are part of what makes the story in “The Outsiders” relevant.
• The setting of Tulsa in the 1960s is important because it shows how where you come from can affect your life and how people treat you.
• The characters in the story, like Ponyboy and his friends, have to deal with these differences every day.

PLOT SUMMARY

• Ponyboy Curtis is a fourteen-year-old boy who hangs out with a group called the Greasers.
• One night, after leaving the cinema, he gets attacked by the Socs, another gang.
• Luckily, his brothers Darry and Sodapop come to his rescue.
• The next day, Ponyboy meets Cherry and Marcia, two Soc girls, at a drive-in. 
• Cherry is not interested in Ponyboy’s tough friend Dally, but she and Ponyboy have a good conversation.
• Things get tense when Cherry’s boyfriend, Bob, shows up but she is able to prevent the situation from turning violent.
• When Ponyboy gets home late, Darry, his oldest brother, gets angry and hits him.
• Feeling misunderstood, Ponyboy runs off with Johnny and they end up in a park where they get jumped by some Socs.
• In self-defense, Johnny accidentally kills Bob.
• Terrified, they turn to Dally for help.
• He gives them money and tells them to hide out in an abandoned church, where Ponyboy cuts his hair and reads to Johnny.
• When Dally checks on them later, they learn that tensions between greasers and Socs are getting worse.
• Johnny decides to turn himself in, and Dally agrees to help them return home.
• But as they leave the church, they notice that the church has caught fire with kids trapped inside. 
• They rush in to save them, but Johnny gets hurt.
• At the hospital, Ponyboy realizes how much Darry cares for him.
• Johnny is declared a hero, but he’s also facing charges for Bob’s death.
• The gangs plan a final fight to settle things.
• Ponyboy talks to Randy, Bob’s friend, who regrets the violence.
• Ponyboy visits Johnny in the hospital, where he’s in critical condition.
• He also talks to Cherry, who struggles with her feelings about Johnny.
• When Johnny dies, Dally loses control and gets himself killed by the police, leaving Ponyboy shocked and shaken.
• Despite the chaos, Ponyboy returns to school.
• His grades suffer, but his teacher gives him a chance to pass if he writes a good essay.
• In a book Johnny gave him, Ponyboy finds a letter urging him to “stay gold.”
• He decides to write about his recent experiences, starting with the opening line of “The Outsiders.”

KEY CHARACTERS

• Ponyboy Curtis is the main character and storyteller in “The Outsiders.”
• He’s a thoughtful and smart fourteen-year-old Greaser who loves reading, but being in the gang puts pressure on him.
• He struggles with finding his place outside of the gang because he wants to fit in without losing himself and dealing with his strained relationship with his big brother, Darry.
• Johnny Cade is Ponyboy’s best friend and another Greaser.
• Johnny is quiet and sensitive because of the tough times he’s faced, including abuse from his parents and the Socs, but deep down, he wants to be accepted and protect his friends.
• Dallas Winston, or Dally, is the toughest guy in the Greasers.
• With his troubled past Dally often uses violence to solve problems, pledges die-hard loyalty to the gang, and craves respect.
• Cherry Valance is a Soc girl who becomes friends with Ponyboy and Johnny.
• She’s caring and struggles with the divide between the Greasers and Socs because she wants peace between the groups.
• Darry Curtis is Ponyboy’s older brother and guardian.
• Darry is strict but cares a lot about his brothers since their parents died.
• He feels responsible for them, but it’s tough for him to balance being tough and making sure Ponyboy succeeds.
• Two-Bit Mathews is a fun-loving member of the Greasers known for his humor and mischievous nature.
• He’s called Two-Bit because he always has something to add to conversations.
• Steve Randle is another Greaser who is confident and often gets into arguments with other gang members because of his fiery temper. 
• Randy Adderson is a Soc and Bob’s best friend, initially seen as an enemy of the Greasers.
• However, as the story unfolds, Randy shows his conflicting feelings of loyalty to his Soc friends and growing discomfort with the violence between the gangs.

MAIN THEMES AND MESSAGES

• One of the novel’s central themes is loyalty, which is exemplified by the Greasers gang sticking together through thick and thin as they show how important it is to have friends who have your back no matter what.
• Another main theme in the novel is the impact of where you come from.
• The Greasers are poorer than the Socs, and that affects how people treat them and leads to a lot of conflict and trouble.
• The characters in the book are also trying to figure out who they are and where they belong.
• They deal with questions about their identity and what they want for themselves, which is something many teenagers can relate to.
• Through it all, there’s the power of friendship.
• Ponyboy and his friends stick together no matter what, and their bond helps them get through tough times and stay strong.

IMPACT AND LEGACY

• Since its publication in 1967, “The Outsiders” has sustained its popularity and significance over time.
• Its enduring appeal stems from its authentic depiction of teenage life.
• The 1983 film adaptation, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, introduced the story to mainstream culture.
• The movie received praise from critics, as well as its various adaptations on stage, radio, and television.

The Outsiders Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about The Outsiders across 23 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about The Outsiders. The story is told from the point of view of the teenage main character, Ponyboy Curtis. The book’s main themes are friendship, loyalty, and finding yourself, which have made it a popular read among young readers. The book was adapted as a film in 1983 and as a television series in 1990.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. The Outsiders Facts
2. Expand My Vocab
3. About the Author
4. Character Feeds
5. Fact or False?
6. Plot the Timeline
7. Diorama Setting
8. Context Research Project
9. Reporter’s Page
10. Decision Discussion
11. Novel Excerpts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “The Outsiders” about?

“The Outsiders” is a coming-of-age novel written by S.E. Hinton, published in 1967. It revolves around the struggles of Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager from the “wrong side of the tracks” who grapples with societal divides, gang violence, and the concept of identity. The story follows Ponyboy and his group of friends, known as the Greasers, as they navigate conflicts with the wealthier, more privileged “Socs” (short for Socials) and confront the harsh realities of their environment.

Who are the main characters in “The Outsiders”?

The main characters in “The Outsiders” include:

• Ponyboy Curtis: The protagonist and narrator of the story, a sensitive and intelligent Greaser who struggles with societal expectations and perceptions.
• Johnny Cade: Ponyboy’s best friend, who is quiet and emotionally troubled due to abusive family circumstances.
• Dallas Winston (Dally): A tough, hardened Greaser with a troubled past and a penchant for trouble.
• Sodapop Curtis: Ponyboy’s older brother, who serves as a peacemaker within the Greaser group.
• Darrel Curtis (Darry): Ponyboy’s oldest brother, who has taken on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings after their parents’ deaths.

What are some themes explored in “The Outsiders”?

“The Outsiders” delves into various themes, including:

• Socioeconomic class and its impact on identity and opportunity.
• Friendship and loyalty amidst adversity.
• The struggle to define oneself against societal expectations.
• The effects of violence and trauma on young people.
• The importance of empathy and understanding across social divides.

How does the setting contribute to the story in “The Outsiders”?

Set in the 1960s in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the backdrop of “The Outsiders” plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ experiences and struggles. The socio-economic divide between the affluent Socs and the working-class Greasers creates tension and conflict throughout the narrative. Additionally, the era’s societal norms and expectations influence the characters’ actions and perceptions of themselves and each other.

What impact has “The Outsiders” had on literature and popular culture?

“The Outsiders” has left a lasting legacy since its publication, influencing subsequent generations of readers and writers. It is considered a classic of young adult literature for its authentic portrayal of teenage struggles and its exploration of universal themes such as identity, friendship, and belonging. The novel has been adapted into a successful film and has continued to be studied in schools worldwide, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone. Additionally, S.E. Hinton’s groundbreaking work paved the way for more diverse and realistic representations of adolescence in literature.

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