Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1965. Ponyboy Curtis, a fourteen-year-old orphan, lives on Ponyboy’s north side. This is where the railroad tracks are. Although Sensitive Ponyboy had a close relationship with Darrel his older brother, they have become household caregivers. Third brother Sodapop is caught in the middle. He dropped out of school and now works full-time. The Greasers is a group of north-side boys who are often from broken families. Ponyboy is concerned that they will be separated from their family if there are any problems, particularly in Greaser activities. Ponyboy also feels that Darrel would outgrow them and have a better life, if not for his loyalty and need to care for the family. The Greasers are seen as one and the same by the rest of the world, with Dallas Winston being the most volatile of them all, who was just released from prison. Each boy has his own view on life. The world also sees the Socs as the Greasers primary rivals. They are rich, entitled, and proud boys from the south, with an inflated sense of superiority, even though each boy is his own individual. Ponyboy and Cherry Valance form a connection between these two gangs, something that doesn’t go down well with Cherry’s boyfriend from the Soc, Bob Sheldon. An incident results in Ponyboy, Cherry Valance, and the Socs being involved. Johnny Cade (16 years old) is a sensitive, intelligent boy, who seems to be stuck in a downwards spiral of parents who aren’t giving him enough time. The incident threatens Ponyboy’s and Johnny’s lives. Socs and Greasers agree to have a rumble in order to end the situation. Some boys are aware that the rumble won’t accomplish anything. The questions now being asked is if their fellows will agree and what will the consequences be. –Huggo