outsiders Flashcards
(19 cards)
Who is Ponyboy Curtis?
The 14-year-old narrator and protagonist, intelligent, sensitive, loves reading and movies, and a Greaser who struggles with his identity and place in the world.
Describe Johnny Cade.
Ponyboy’s best friend, quiet, nervous, abused at home, considered the gang’s ‘pet’, commits a major turning-point act in the story.
What character traits define Dallas ‘Dally’ Winston?
Tough, wild, street-smart, has a criminal record, rough past in New York, protective of Johnny.
What is Sodapop Curtis’s role in the story?
Ponyboy’s 16-year-old brother, happy-go-lucky, charming, handsome, dropped out of school to work at a gas station.
Who is Darrel ‘Darry’ Curtis?
The oldest Curtis brother, 20 years old, acts as a parent to Ponyboy and Sodapop, strict, responsible, works hard to support the family.
Identify Two-Bit Mathews.
The joker of the gang, loves fights and stealing, known for his sense of humor and loyalty.
What is Steve Randle’s relationship to Sodapop?
Sodapop’s best friend, works with him at the gas station, skilled with cars, doesn’t get along well with Ponyboy.
Who is Bob Sheldon?
A Soc and Cherry’s boyfriend, the main antagonist , threatens Johnny and Ponyboy, leading to a major event.
What role does Randy Adderson play in the story?
Bob’s friend, begins to question the point of the violence between Socs and Greasers.
Describe Cherry Valance.
A Soc girl who befriends Ponyboy, acts as a bridge between the two groups, kind, thoughtful, insightful.
Who is Marcia?
Cherry’s friend and Randy’s girlfriend, interacts with the Greasers at the drive-in.
What is the main conflict in the novel?
The conflict is between the Greasers (poor, working-class teens) and the Socs (wealthy, privileged teens)
This theme highlights how economic and social class can divide people and lead to misunderstandings, prejudice, and violence.
What do Ponyboy and other characters struggle with regarding their identity?
They struggle to understand who they really are beyond the labels society puts on them
The novel explores how people want to feel accepted and understood.
How is the concept of family portrayed among the Greasers?
The Greasers form a chosen family, relying on each other for survival and emotional support
Loyalty and love define family, not just blood relations.
What does the theme of empathy and understanding illustrate?
It suggests that empathy can break down the walls between people
Characters like Cherry and Randy begin to see the humanity in those from the other side of the social divide.
Fill in the blank: The Greasers are considered _______ teens.
[poor, working-class]
True or False: Dally’s death is a result of the hopefulness in the story.
False
Dally’s death is a direct result of the hopelessness and pain caused by violence and loss.
What does Johnny’s quote ‘Stay gold, Ponyboy’ signify?
It signifies the importance of staying innocent and good despite life’s harshness.
List the two groups in the main conflict of the novel.
- Greasers
- Socs
