Response to Literature Essay: Exploring Heroism in The Outsiders
Writing Task: Write a well-drafted essay showing how a character in The Outsiders proves to be heroic.
Check off the boxes only after you complete each sub-task.
First:
 Choose ONE character from The Outsiders on which to focus your essay.
 Look through your book and find at least three examples proving that your character is heroic. For example, for
Dally you could arrange entries like this: a) how he helps Pony & Johnny after the murder b) how he helps save
the children during the church fire and c) Ponyboy’s descriptions of Johnny’s “hero worship” for Dally.
Second:
 Carefully read over the step-by-step directions below.
 Write a rough draft. The rough draft doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be complete!!!
Third:
 Type your final draft. Remember to use MLA Formatting (Heading, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1” margins,
black ink, etc.). Look at your Research Packet (or the Research Page on my blog) for MLA Format information.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Introduction
a. “Everyday” heroes surround us—people who sacrifice themselves for the sake of another person or even an
entire society. Their heroic acts are sometimes small—like sticking up for an unpopular kid. Sometimes their
acts are great—like saving someone from a life-threatening situation. The common thread is a willingness to
put someone else before themselves—a courageous selflessness.
b. Thesis: Choose one of the options below to use as the thesis statement for your essay. Complete the
introduction provided above with the thesis statement you have chosen.
 In The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, ________ is the best example of a hero because he/she (is) _________,
character
adjective/action
__________, and __________.
adjective/action

adjective/action
Through (his/her) __________, __________, __________, __________ reveals him/herself as a hero in
noun/action
noun/action
noun/action
character
the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

In The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, __________’s __________, __________, and __________ all illustrate
character
noun/action
noun/action
noun/action
how __________ is an unlikely hero.
character

__________ is strongly conveyed as a hero in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton because of (his/her)
character
__________, __________, and __________.
noun/action
noun/action
noun/action
2. Three (3) Body Paragraphs
a. Topic Sentence: This is a general statement that introduces a reason mentioned in your thesis. For the
second two body paragraphs, transition from the previous paragraph.
Write one “chunk”—your response to the 3 items in the box below—per body paragraph.
b. Lead-in to CD: a phrase or sentence to introduce your quotation so that its meaning is more clear.
c. Concrete Detail: This is a quotation from the story that shows a heroic act. This can be shown through a
character’s Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, or Looks. (Concrete Detail = Quotation with citation)
d. Commentary: How does the Concrete Detail show heroism? (Commentary = Explanation)
e. Closing Sentence: This will connect the evidence and events in the paragraph back to your thesis.
3. Conclusion
a. Restate your thesis in different words.
b. Why is bravery or heroism important in The Outsiders?
c. End with a powerful statement of how acts of heroism affect people all over the world today.