The story of The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The theme of the story revolves around a group of friends who are part of a gang and experience various events, including deaths, fights and funny moments. The author, SE Hinton, conveys a message to readers about the dangers of getting involved in gangs. Point out that there are other activities to engage in instead of joining a gang. Additionally, Hinton highlights the consequences gang members may face, such as death, serious injuries, or long-term coma resulting from fights. It is vital that readers, whether gang members or not, consider these consequences. SE Hinton includes characters involved in gangs so that readers who are also involved in gangs can understand the consequences experienced by the characters in The Outsiders. Readers can learn from the characters' experiences, such as their run-ins with the "socs" or other gangs, and from the consequences, such as Johnny's death. The author's goal is to entertain the reader and keep them involved in the story. The author uses conflict and drama to convince the reader to keep reading and find out what happens next. The tone of the story varies, including tragic, uplifting, positive, optimistic, realistic, and suspenseful. The author uses these tones during dramatic events, such as when Bob is stabbed, the church fire, the death of Ponyboy's parents, the deaths of Bob, Johnny, and Dally, Ponyboy's reaction to passing his classes, and when Johnny is in the hospital and tells Ponyboy to "stay gold".."