The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
SETTING: Tulsa, Oklahoma Prairie, located between mountains Cold winters, intense heat in summer
Locations: Drive-in movie theater and “fast food” of the 1950
Cars of 60’s - Mustang
Cars of 60’s Corvair
Cars of 60’s – Corvette Stingray
Fashions of the early 60’s
CHARACTERS The Greasers Middle to lower middle class families Outlaws, “bad boy,” tough attitudes Gang members (some criminal, mostly social) More emotional, quick to show anger Slicked back, long hair Leather jackets, white t-shirts Drove beat-up cars
The Greasers
Ponyboy Smart Likes books and movies Long, slicked back hair Greenish-gray eyes Good student Sodapop Pony’s middle brother Drop-out Doesn’t like books or school Works at gas station Movie-star handsome Girlfriend (Sandy) Darry Oldest brother Works as roofer to support family Athletic and smart Had to give up college dream Muscular, ex-football player
Dallas Winston (Dally) Two-Bit Matthews Steve Randall Johnny Cade Pony’s friend Dallas (Dally) is his hero Rough home life Beaten by father Favorite of everyone in gang (pet) Dallas Winston (Dally) Jailed by age of 10 Criminal record Cares for Johnny like little brother No home life No parents who care Works at rodeo Two-Bit Matthews Thinks he’s funny Drinks before rumbles Mother does everything for him (lazy) Steve Randall Sodapop’s best friend Works at gas station High school drop out Finds Ponyboy annoying
CHARACTERS The Socs Middle to upper middle class The “good, cool, popular” kids Role models, athletes, class presidents Hang in cliques, not “gangs” More self-contained and cool, not as quick to show out-of-control anger Khakis, madras and polo shirts Clean cut – hair cut (above the collar) Nice cars
Cherry Valance Marcia Red haired Soc Bob’s girlfriend Cheerleader, popular Marcia Cherry’s friend Cheerleader Popular
Bob Randy Cherry’s boyfriend Athletic and popular Beats up Johnny before story begins Pressure from parents to achieve and play sports Randy Bob’s best friend Athletic Popular Drives blue mustang Cares what his dad thinks about him
WHEN I STEPPED out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.. An so the story begins…