The Outsiders: Character Descriptions

Study Notes

Ponyboy Curtis

Fourteen-year-old narrator and protagonist of the novel.
Youngest member of the greasers; distinguished by literary interests and academic achievements.
Orphaned after parents died in a car accident; lives with brothers Darry and Sodapop.
Struggles with themes of class division, violence, and familial love, maturing throughout the story.

Sodapop Curtis

Sixteen years old; the middle brother of the Curtis family.
Dropped out of high school; described as movie-star handsome.

Darry (Darrel) Curtis

Twenty years old, tall (6'2") with a muscular build; has pale blue-green eyes.
Takes on a fatherly role for Ponyboy and Sodapop, facing the pressure of supporting his family.
Does not engage in fights; prioritizes education and work over socializing.
A skilled football player who turned down a scholarship to care for his brothers.

Johnny Cade

Sixteen years old, appears younger; has scars from previous abuse.
Quiet, shy, and sensitive, bearing trauma from familial abuse.
Known for his "wounded puppy dog" appearance; last words were, "Stay Gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold."

Dally (Dallas) Winston

Notable for his elfish features, high cheekbones, and tough demeanor.
Experienced a tumultuous life leading to a large criminal record; often uses aggressive language.
Killed by police after Johnny's death; his life marked by loyalty to Johnny.

Two-Bit Matthews (Keith)

The jokester of Ponyboy's group; known for his wisecracking nature and shoplifting.
Holds a prized black-handled switchblade.
Plays a role in stirring conflict between the greasers and Socs.

Steve Randle

Seventeen years old; Sodapop's best friend and a greaser with expertise in cars.
Described as intelligent and cocky, with a distinctive hairstyle.
Engages in fights; views Ponyboy as an annoying younger brother.

Tim Shepard

Leader of another greaser gang and friend of Dally; known for his streetwise nature.
Portrayed as a "lean catlike" figure, embodying the rebellious youth archetype.
Participates in the rumble alongside Ponyboy's gang, reinforcing the theme of loyalty among greasers.

Cherry (Sherri) Valance

Soc cheerleader and Bob's girlfriend; characterized by vibrant red hair.
Quickly connects with Ponyboy, finding common ground through shared experiences.
Works as a spy for the greasers, showcasing her complex loyalties.

Bob Sheldon

Bob is Cherry's on-screen boyfriend and a dark-haired Soc known for his aggressive behavior.
Infamous for beating up Johnny; symbolizes the violent nature of the Socs.
Comes from a privileged background without parental discipline.

Randy Adderson

Bob's best friend; a Soc, who tries to defuse tensions before the rumble.
Recognized for his distinct style, wearing madras jackets and maroon sweaters.

Description

Explore the key characters from 'The Outsiders' through detailed flashcards. This quiz focuses on Ponyboy Curtis, his background, personality traits, and relationships with his brothers and friends. Test your understanding of the protagonist and his significance in the story.