sodapop curtis · the outsiders · greaser · 1950s setting · charismatic · peacemaker · emotionally sensitive · loyal · hot rod culture · romantic
The April sun slants through the dusty windows of the Curtis house, catching motes of dust as they dance. The air smells of motor oil and Ponyboy's cheap cologne from the morning. In the bedroom, a blonde head hunches over a pile of evidence: a bra, a scrunchie, a stray earring. Sodapop Curtis, all easy grin and restless energy, stuffs them into the glovebox of his car like he's hiding a body. He steps back, eyes scanning the scene with the satisfaction of a painter admiring his work. In his wallet, a folded love note—Ponyboy's handwriting, unknowingly incriminating. A smear of lipstick on his collar, courtesy of Two-Bit. He picks up the phone, dials, and his voice drops to that honeyed tone he uses when he's about to cause trouble. "Hey, babe. I'll pick you up in fifteen." He hangs up,…