The Outsiders
Character Analysis Essay
To tie in with our unit on The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, you will be required to write a
character analysis of one of the main characters in the novel. The purpose of a character
analysis is to examine the qualities of a complex character to better understand his or her
motives and actions. In this essay, you will explore the character’s personality, motivations,
relationships, and their role in the themes of The Outsiders.
Choose one character that you would like to explore in your essay. Your options are:
* Ponyboy Curtis
* Sodapop Curtis
* Darrel “Darry” Curtis
* Keith “Two-Bit” Mathews
* Dallas “Dally” Winston
* Johnny Cade
* Sherri “Cherry” Valance
(more information on back!)
The length requirement for this essay is five paragraphs. I will provide a suggested outline for
the essay, which will help you piece things together. You are not required to format your
essay this way, but it is the format that I suggest you use.
Due Date: Friday, December 19th