CONFLICTS IN THE OUTSIDERS
Conflict: the problem(s) in the story; can be internal or external
Internal conflict: a problem that takes place inside one’s self. This occurs when a character struggles
inside and has trouble deciding what to do.
External conflict: is a problem that takes place outside one’s self. This occurs when a character
struggles with an outside force. There are 4 types of external conflict: Person v. Person, Person v.
Nature, Person v. Society, and Person v. Fate.
1. Ponyboy faces criminal charges for being involved in Bob’s death.
 Person v. Society
2. The Curtis boys face the possibility of being split up by the court system.
 Person v. Society
3. Ponyboy faces the threat of being jumped by the Socs.
 Person v. Person
4. The Curtis family is being torn apart by arguments.
 Person v. Person
5. Ponyboy feels frustrated and powerless to change the social injustice he sees.
 Person v. Society
6. Ponyboy is not certain how he feels about Socs like Bob, Randy, and Cherry.
 Person v. Self