Chapter One Quiz
1. Who is the narrator of The Outsiders?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Ponyboy
Dallas
Darry
Sodapop
2. Who lives with Ponyboy?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Sodapop and Dally
Dally and Darry
Darry and Johnny
Sodapop and Darry
3. How are the Greasers and the Socs different?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The Greasers are rich and the Socs are poor.
The Greasers are poor and the Socs are rich.
The Greasers are girls and the Socs are boys.
The Greasers are boys and the Socs are girls.
4. Explain why it is important that Ponyboy and Sodapop stay out of
trouble.
5. What happens to Ponyboy on his way home from the movies?
Character
Character: a person or animal in a story
Characterization
 The methods used
by the author to
create or reveal the
characters in a story.
 Can be indirect or
direct.
Direct Characterization
The method of
character development
in which the author
simply tells you what
the character is like.
For example, “Miss
Alice was the nicest
person you would ever
want to meet,” is direct
characterization.
Indirect Characterization
This method of characterization is
most similar to the way we learn
about people in real life.
Using indirect characterization,
the author presents the character’s
personality through what the
character says and the characters
actions.
 You must then draw your own
conclusions about the character.
Example of Direct or Indirect
Characterization?
Read the following example of
characterization. Decide
whether it is an example of direct
or indirect characterization.
(A)
James was one of
those people who was
constantly angry. He
looked for trouble
wherever he went, and
he usually found it.
Example of Direct or Indirect
Characterization?
(B) Stanley’s eyes blazed
as he surveyed the
room. The corners of
his mouth pointed in a
decidedly southerly
direction. Carol moved
aside as he stalked
past her.
Description A is an example of direct
characterization.
The author comes right out and tells you that
James was always angry, and that he was looking
for a fight almost constantly.
Description B is an example of indirect
characterization.
We can tell from his angry eyes, frowning mouth
and the way he walked that he is angry.
Which method is
more effective in
developing the
character? Why do
you think so?
Methods of Characterization
creating believable characters…
INDIRECT
DIRECT
-physical appearance
-the narrator’s direct
comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings,
or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings,
actions of other characters
Direct Characterization Example # 1
Jane was a beautiful young girl. She had
golden hair and blue eyes, which made
her stand out from the rest.
Indirect Characterization Example # 1
When Jane walked in the room, nobody
could help but look at her stunning,
gorgeous face. She commanded
attention wherever she went due to her
good looks.
Direct Characterization Example # 2
Jim was an honest man. He never cheated anybody in his
entire life.
Indirect Characterization Example # 2
Jim was very unlike any other businessman. He made sure
that all his clients got what they had paid for.
Direct or Indirect?
A. Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the
sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance
diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern
electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed
was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools.
B. “That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old
mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep
explained Dralco’s newest engine performance
diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about
modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a
stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing
repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”
Direct or Indirect?
A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always
took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent.
As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing
so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a
try.
B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and
pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye
shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her
overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching,
and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made
up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try,
hoping Trent would love it.
Direct or Indirect?
A. An old couple living near John's house considered him
just like their own son. John did all that for them what
even a son these days won't do. He would shop for them,
get them things and say hello everyday.
B. John cared a lot for the well-being of others. There was
an old couple living alone near his house. John used to
buy weekly groceries for them and even check on them
everyday, just to see how they are doing.
Methods of Characterization
creating believable characters…
INDIRECT
DIRECT
-physical appearance
-the narrator’s direct
comments about a character
-speech, thoughts, feelings,
or actions of the character
-speech, thought, feelings,
actions of other characters
STEAL
Create your own examples!
Indirect
Direct
Characterization Characterization
SHOW
TELL
• Cinderella
• President Obama
• A policeman
• Spongebob
Homework
Character
Ponyboy
Soda Pop
Darry
Two-Bit
Direct
Indirect
Characterization Characterization
o Read Chapter Two
o Discussion Questions
o Reading Packet
Chapter Two Discussion Questions
1. Who is the fuzz? (p. 20)
2. Are the names Ponyboy and Sodapop
nicknames? Explain.
3. Who are Cherry and Marcia?
4. Why doesn't Ponyboy like referring to
Sodapop as a dropout?
5. Why does Dally look sick now (pg. 33)?
6. What is “a weed” slang for?