Character Identification in The Outsiders

A comprehensive set of flashcards for character identification in 'The Outsiders', covering key characters, their traits, and significant quotes.

Ponyboy Curtis

The narrator of The Outsiders.

Darry Curtis

Ponyboy’s older brother and guardian.

Sodapop Curtis

Known for being happy-go-lucky and handsome.

Johnny Cade

Ponyboy’s best friend, described as nervous.

Dallas 'Dally' Winston

The toughest greaser who had been in jail at age 10.

Bob Sheldon

The Soc character who is killed.

Cherry Valance

The Soc girl Ponyboy meets at the drive-in.

Two-Bit Matthews

The jokester of the greasers.

Randy Adderson

Bob’s best friend who later becomes friendly to Ponyboy.

The Socs

The wealthy group who drive fancy cars and live on the west side.

The Greasers

The group with long hair and leather jackets who live on the east side.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

A poem recited by Ponyboy that expresses the theme of fleeting innocence.

Johnny's injury

Johnny suffers a broken back and severe burns from saving children in a burning church.

Dally's reaction to Johnny's death

He robs a grocery store and gets himself shot by police.

Ponyboy's English theme

What he starts writing at the end of the book, which becomes The Outsiders.

Sodapop's role in arguments

He often breaks up arguments between Ponyboy and Darry.

Cutting hair significance

For Ponyboy and Johnny, it symbolizes loss of identity and breaking away from being Greasers.

Soc and Greaser conflict

The main conflict in The Outsiders, representing class conflict and identity.

Johnny's quote

“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”

Ponyboy's surprise hobby

He enjoys reading books and watching movies.

Ponyboy's description

Described as 'real quiet, but real smart'.

Darry's job

Works as a roofer and holds two jobs to support the family.

Sodapop's job

Works as a gas station attendant.

Dally's physical description

Blonde, with icy blue eyes and high cheekbones.

Two-Bit's weapon of choice

Always carries a switchblade.

Johnny's fear origins

He was beaten badly by a group of Socs.

Reason for Randy's decision

He is tired of the violence and sees no point in fighting.

Cherry's real first name

Sherri.

Reason Cherry is nicknamed

Because of her red hair.

Dally's past residence

Dally lived in New York before Tulsa.

Physical description of Darry

Broad-shouldered, muscular, with dark hair and blue-green eyes.

Sodapop's smile description

A grin that was irresistible.

Ponyboy's action during the fountain incident

He runs away out of fear and being overwhelmed.

Darrry's character role

Acts as the wise, older 'parent figure' of the group.

Two-Bit's personality trait

Known for his jokester nature.

Dally's loyalty

Acts tough but is deeply loyal and loves Johnny most.

Learning from the poem

Good and innocence are brief and precious.

What Bob wears

Known for wearing heavy rings on his fingers.

The effect of Bob's character

Sets the stage for the conflict between Socs and Greasers.

Johnny's ultimate sacrifice

Dies in the hospital after the fire.