What is the plot outline for the book the outsiders?

The novel The Outsiders more or less
follows a pretty typical plot structure, which consists of an exposition (exposing
characters and setting), a point of conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and
the resolution (or, a.k.a., the denouement); however, there also seem to be some minor
climactic moments sprinkled here and there also.

In the
beginning, or the exposition, we are introduced to the time period and some of the main
characters, but we are also quickly shown one of the greater conflicts in the story
- the clash between the greasers and the socs - when Ponyboy and some other greasers
scuffle with some socs at the movie theater.  There seems to be an attraction between
Cherry Valance and Ponyboy, but readers understand the obstacles that this relationship
faces.

This, of course, is an important conflict in the
story -  the age-old battle of the classes, the haves and the have-nots.  Another
possible struggle, though, is Ponyboy's internal struggle: is he truly a greaser like
his family and friends?  Is he somehow fighting against the limitations of his own
culture?

The rising action, or growing tension, seems to
center around the big "rumble" that's planned between the greasers and the socs, which
leads to the climactic fight scene.  Other climactic scenes, though, could be when
Johnny and Ponyboy rescue the kids, when Johnny dies, and/or Dally's scene with the
police.

The story ends brilliantly, with Ponyboy writing a
paper for English class using the same lines that the beginning of the book uses.  The
resolution sort of leads us wondering where Ponyboy goes from here: does he fall into
the predictable dismal life of a greaser, or can he follow Johnny's advice to "stay
gold" and triumph over his environment?

For a more detailed
summary of the plot, see the link below.