This lesson plan helps students analyze the major characters in *The Outsiders* by S.E. Hinton using a visual character map.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 7–9 · Time: 45–60 minutes
Major characters
Ponyboy Curtis
- Role: Protagonist / narrator
- Traits: Sensitive, intelligent, thoughtful, loyal
- Motivation: Understanding the world, staying true to himself
- Development: Learns that people are more than their labels
Johnny Cade
- Role: Tragic hero
- Traits: Shy, abused, brave, selfless
- Motivation: Protecting his friends
- Development: Becomes a hero saving children; dies from injuries
Dallas "Dally" Winston
- Role: Tough rebel
- Traits: Reckless, violent, fiercely loyal, hardened
- Motivation: Protecting Johnny, surviving the streets
- Development: Shows vulnerability through Johnny; dies by suicide
Soda Curtis
- Role: Surrogate parent
- Traits: Handsome, responsible, fair, calm
- Motivation: Keeping the family together
- Development: Becomes a voice of reason for Ponyboy
Two-Bit Mathews
- Role: Comic relief
- Traits: Humorous, loyal, carefree, shoplifter
- Motivation: Fun, loyalty to the gang
- Development: Provides levity but is deeply loyal
Activity: Character map storyboard
- Open Storyboard Creator
- Choose 3 characters from above
- For each character, create panels showing traits, motivations and key moments
- Export PDF or share a live link