1. The Outsiders
Author: S.E. HINTON

2. S.E. HINTON S.E. HINTON stands for SUSAN ELOISE HINTON
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma
She wrote this novel at the age of 16 because she wasn’t satisfied with literature for her age group of the time
Considered herself a tomboy in High School
Her friend group was called “The Greasers”

3. The Outsiders SETTING: 1960’s in Tulsa, Oklahoma
This novel focuses on two rival groups in a small town in Oklahoma: The Greasers VS. The Socs

4. THE GREASERS VS. THE SOCS
the lower-class poor kids who have a reputation as troublemakers located on the EAST side of town
Socials who are the privileged kids from the rich side of town located on the WEST side of town

5. Conflict
Both The Socs and The Greasers come from different socio-economic backgrounds. Because of this, prejudice and violence are major themes of this coming of age novel.

6. WHAT IS A COMING OF AGE NOVEL?
A genre of literature that focuses on the growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. The subjects of coming-of-age stories are typically teenagers.

7. Let’s meet the characters
The Curtis Family
PONYBOY: 14 year old narrator, youngest of the Greasers, lives with his brothers Darry and Sodapop
DARRELL (DARRY): Ponyboy’s oldest brother. 21 years old, quit school to work 2 jobs to support his family once their parents passed away
SODAPOP: Ponyboy’s happy-go-lucky brother. Described as very good looking and plans to marry Sandy, also another greaser

8. MORE CHARACTERS IN THE GREASERS
TWO-BIT MATTHEWS: joker of Ponyboy’s group
STEVE RANDALL: Sodapop’s best friend since grade school, he works at a gas station with Sodapop.
DALLAS WINSTON (DALLY): toughest hood in Ponyboy’s group
JOHNNY CADE: 16 year old greaser who is nervous and sensitive. Johnny and Ponyboy are best friends.

9. SOCS CHERRY: Bob’s girlfriend and she is a Soc cheerleader.
RANDY ANDERSON: Bob’s best friend
BOB SHELDON: Cherry’s boyfriend - wears rings. This is a sign of his wealth and also plays a role in some events that happen prior to chapter 1.