The rising action of The Outsiders primarily revolves around the escalating tensions between the Greasers and the Socs. This part of the story begins after Ponyboy Curtis, the protagonist, and his friends, Johnny and Dally, face increased conflicts and challenges as they navigate their lives in a divided society.
Key events include Ponyboy and Johnny getting jumped by a group of Socs, which sparks their fear and sense of vulnerability. The situation intensifies when Johnny kills Bob, a Soc, in self-defense to protect Ponyboy during a violent confrontation. As a result, they go on the run, seeking refuge in an abandoned church. This incident marks a crucial turning point, as it heightens the stakes for the characters and propels them deeper into the overarching conflict between their two worlds.
The rising action prepares readers for the climax, drawing them into the emotional struggles and societal issues faced by the characters. The choices they make during this time reflect their growth and the deepening of their relationships, setting the stage for the eventual fallout of the story.