Ponyboy Curtis is one of the main characters. He is a Greaser and the narrator of the story. His older brothers, Sodapop and Darry, are also important characters. Sodapop is kind - hearted and good - looking, while Darry is more strict as he has to take care of his younger brothers.
The theme of identity is quite prominent. The characters are constantly trying to figure out who they are in the context of their social groups and the world around them. Also, the idea of family, whether it's the biological family or the 'found family' within the Greaser gang, is an important theme.
I would recommend the 'the outsiders complete novel' in most cases. The complete novel allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of the greasers and the Socs. You get to know the characters on a deeper level, understand their emotions and struggles better. While 'the outsiders' can be a good starting point, the complete novel offers a more fulfilling and rich reading experience.
Well, 'the outsiders' might be a version that has been adapted in some way, like for a school curriculum. 'The outsiders complete novel' is the full, unaltered work. In the complete novel, there could be more complex language and themes. It might explore the social and economic differences between the two groups more thoroughly. There could also be more interactions and conflicts between the characters that are not as fully developed in the shorter version.
The plot revolves around the social divide between the Greasers, who are from the poorer side of town, and the Socs, the rich kids. Ponyboy, a Greaser, along with his friends like Johnny, faces the constant threat of the Socs. After a tragic incident where Johnny kills a Soc in self - defense, they go on the run. During this time, Ponyboy has time to reflect on his life, the differences between the two groups, and what really matters. It's a story full of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to find one's place in a divided society.
Well, in most cases, HBO Max would strive to offer the complete version of 'The Outsiders' as a novel adaptation. They understand that fans of the book expect to see the full story unfold on screen. But it's also possible that some very small details might be omitted or slightly altered for the sake of making it more suitable for a visual medium or to fit within a certain time frame. For example, some internal monologues from the book might be shortened a bit in the HBO Max version, but overall it should be pretty close to the complete novel.
You might try checking your local library. Sometimes they have copies of such novels available for borrowing. Another option is to search on specialized bookstores' websites, where you might find it for sale in digital or physical format.