Activity Overview
The Outsiders Character Map Lesson Plan (2025 Edition)
Grade Level: 6–9
Subject: ELA / Literature
Estimated Time: 2 class periods (90–120 minutes)
Overview and Objectives
In this character map activity for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, students will analyze key characters using a digital storyboard. This visual approach helps students better understand character dynamics and themes such as identity, loyalty, and socio-economic conflict.
This lesson supports social-emotional learning (SEL) by prompting students to explore perspectives, empathy, and the impact of personal choices. The character map also reinforces literary analysis skills aligned with Common Core standards.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe major and minor characters in The Outsiders
- Analyze how characters change over time and what influences their development
- Illustrate characteristics, relatives, and gang/friends using visual storytelling
- Support character analysis with textual evidence and visual cues
Procedure
1. Introduction (15 minutes)
- Begin with a class discussion: "What makes a character memorable?"
- Briefly review the main characters in The Outsiders: Ponyboy, Johnny, Dally, Sodapop, Darry, Cherry, etc.
- Show and explain the example character map created on Storyboard That. Emphasize how students will use visuals and text to show understanding.
2. Storyboard Creation (60–75 minutes)
- Students will use Storyboard That to complete their digital character maps.
- Encourage:
- Customization of characters to reflect physical appearance
- Scene customization to show important moments
- Textables to insert quotes and insights
- Circulate to support students with text evidence and design tools.
3. Share and Reflect (15–20 minutes)
- Have students present their character maps in small groups or as a gallery walk.
- Use guiding questions like:
- How does your character change over the course of the novel?
- What was the most important moment for your character?
- Optionally, have students write a brief reflection on how understanding a character’s motivations helps them understand the story’s message.
4. Extension or Assessment Options
- Compare and contrast two character maps (e.g., Johnny vs. Dally)
- Turn the storyboard into a written character analysis essay
- Use the storyboard as a prompt for a creative writing piece from the character’s point of view
| Ponyboy Curtis | Protagonist, Greaser | Darrel "Darry" Curtis | The oldest brother, gave up a promising football career to take care of his brothers after parents' death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodapop Curtis | Brother of Ponyboy and Darrel, Greaser | Two-Bit Mathews | Greaser, known for his switchblade |
| Steve Randle | Friends with Sodapop, thinks Ponyboy is annoying | Dallas “Dally” Winston | Toughest Greaser |
| Johnny Cade | Ponyboy's best friend | Sandy | Sodapop's girlfriend |
| Cherry Valance | Soc girl, dating Bob | Marcia | Friend of Cherry |
| Bob Sheldon | Soc, dies in fight | Paul Holden | Soc who challenges Darrel |
| Jerry Wood | A man that looks down on the gangs, despite Johnny and Ponyboy saving the children from the burning church | Tim Shepard | Leader of a different group of Greasers, friend of Dallas |
| Curly Shepard | Tim's tough younger brother, has a criminal record at the age of 15 | Mr. Syme | Ponyboy's English teacher |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
1. Open the Character Map Template
- Use the template provided on Storyboard That.
- Give your storyboard a title.
2. Fill Out Your Storyboard
Each cell should focus on one character and include:
- Age
- Characteristics
- Relatives
- Gang/Friends
3. Use Visuals and Text
- Customize characters to match the descriptions from the book.
- Use scenes and backgrounds to show setting and important events.
- Add textables (speech bubbles, captions, etc.).
4. Review and Edit
Make sure your storyboard:
- Is neat, easy to read, and complete
- Includes visuals and text that explain your ideas clearly
- Has support from the novel (quotes, events, etc.)
5. Present or Share
- Be ready to present your character map to your classmates.
- You might do a small group discussion, gallery walk, or written reflection.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Activity Overview
The Outsiders Character Map Lesson Plan (2025 Edition)
Grade Level: 6–9
Subject: ELA / Literature
Estimated Time: 2 class periods (90–120 minutes)
Overview and Objectives
In this character map activity for The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, students will analyze key characters using a digital storyboard. This visual approach helps students better understand character dynamics and themes such as identity, loyalty, and socio-economic conflict.
This lesson supports social-emotional learning (SEL) by prompting students to explore perspectives, empathy, and the impact of personal choices. The character map also reinforces literary analysis skills aligned with Common Core standards.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe major and minor characters in The Outsiders
- Analyze how characters change over time and what influences their development
- Illustrate characteristics, relatives, and gang/friends using visual storytelling
- Support character analysis with textual evidence and visual cues
Procedure
1. Introduction (15 minutes)
- Begin with a class discussion: "What makes a character memorable?"
- Briefly review the main characters in The Outsiders: Ponyboy, Johnny, Dally, Sodapop, Darry, Cherry, etc.
- Show and explain the example character map created on Storyboard That. Emphasize how students will use visuals and text to show understanding.
2. Storyboard Creation (60–75 minutes)
- Students will use Storyboard That to complete their digital character maps.
- Encourage:
- Customization of characters to reflect physical appearance
- Scene customization to show important moments
- Textables to insert quotes and insights
- Circulate to support students with text evidence and design tools.
3. Share and Reflect (15–20 minutes)
- Have students present their character maps in small groups or as a gallery walk.
- Use guiding questions like:
- How does your character change over the course of the novel?
- What was the most important moment for your character?
- Optionally, have students write a brief reflection on how understanding a character’s motivations helps them understand the story’s message.
4. Extension or Assessment Options
- Compare and contrast two character maps (e.g., Johnny vs. Dally)
- Turn the storyboard into a written character analysis essay
- Use the storyboard as a prompt for a creative writing piece from the character’s point of view
| Ponyboy Curtis | Protagonist, Greaser | Darrel "Darry" Curtis | The oldest brother, gave up a promising football career to take care of his brothers after parents' death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodapop Curtis | Brother of Ponyboy and Darrel, Greaser | Two-Bit Mathews | Greaser, known for his switchblade |
| Steve Randle | Friends with Sodapop, thinks Ponyboy is annoying | Dallas “Dally” Winston | Toughest Greaser |
| Johnny Cade | Ponyboy's best friend | Sandy | Sodapop's girlfriend |
| Cherry Valance | Soc girl, dating Bob | Marcia | Friend of Cherry |
| Bob Sheldon | Soc, dies in fight | Paul Holden | Soc who challenges Darrel |
| Jerry Wood | A man that looks down on the gangs, despite Johnny and Ponyboy saving the children from the burning church | Tim Shepard | Leader of a different group of Greasers, friend of Dallas |
| Curly Shepard | Tim's tough younger brother, has a criminal record at the age of 15 | Mr. Syme | Ponyboy's English teacher |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
1. Open the Character Map Template
- Use the template provided on Storyboard That.
- Give your storyboard a title.
2. Fill Out Your Storyboard
Each cell should focus on one character and include:
- Age
- Characteristics
- Relatives
- Gang/Friends
3. Use Visuals and Text
- Customize characters to match the descriptions from the book.
- Use scenes and backgrounds to show setting and important events.
- Add textables (speech bubbles, captions, etc.).
4. Review and Edit
Make sure your storyboard:
- Is neat, easy to read, and complete
- Includes visuals and text that explain your ideas clearly
- Has support from the novel (quotes, events, etc.)
5. Present or Share
- Be ready to present your character map to your classmates.
- You might do a small group discussion, gallery walk, or written reflection.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How To Assist Students With a Long List of Characters in a Novel
Give Them a Template
If there is a long list of characters in a story, students are likely to feel overwhelmed. Offering them a template to keep track of the characters is extremely helpful, and gives them a place to write down their ideas and the little details about each of the characters.
Discuss Relationships
How characters interact in the story is of extreme importance. Assist students in understanding which characters are Greasers and which are Socials, who is related, and who is going out with whom. There are many people to keep track of and students will benefit from your assistance in figuring out who is who.
Find Evidence
Using a storyboard template will focus students as they find evidence about the characters in the book. They can write down quotes, explain character motivations, draw a picture of the characters, and keep all of their ideas together in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Outsiders Character Map
How can I help students notice the little things about characters as they read?
Often young readers miss important details in a story as they read. By having students use character maps, they can keep track of little details and go back to reference them, thereby noticing the more intricate details that make up characterization. What seems unimportant at the time can have true importance as the story progresses.
What is a character motivation?
A character's motivation is the reason why he or she does something. Understanding character motivation is integral for understanding the character's decisions and movements in a story. It is the heart of makes a character a character.
How do relationships affect characters in a story?
Even in fiction, characters do not exist in a vacuum. They are intricately tied to the other characters in books and the relationships they have are extremely important. Characters can influence other characters for positive or negative, and studying these relationships is important to understanding the books as a whole.
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