Name___________________________________
Semantic Feature Analysis Chart
The Outsiders
Directions: This chart has a list of characters from The Outsiders and a list of attributes. One by one, analyze each of
the characters and decide if he can be described by these words. Put an ‘X’ in the boxes that describe the character, and
leave those blank that do not. Do this for each of the eight characters listed. Be prepared to defend your answers.
Attribute
Character
Gallant Egotistical Ambitious Benevolent Gregarious Witty Striking Malicious Apathetic Introverted Passionate
Ponyboy
Sodapop
Darry
Dally
Johnny
Two-Bit
Cherry
Randy
Christy Bateman, 2006

Semantic Feature Analysis Chart
For The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY:
Semantic Feature Analysis Charts help students to further comprehend the
vocabulary words they are studying and simultaneously allows them to explore the
attributes of the characters in the novel. Students will comprehend the vocabulary
better as they apply it and defend their position.
DIRECTIONS:
STEP 1
CREATE A LIST OF ATTRIBUTES
Choose words that will challenge your students and can be applied to characters in
the novel. Make sure you go over these words with the students before doing this
activity in class.
STEP 2
CREATE A SEMANTIC FEATURE ANALYSIS CHART
Create a Semantic Feature Analysis Chart by listing the important characters down
the side of a table and the attributes across the top.
STEP 3
EXPLAIN THE PROCEDURES
Explain that students will analyze each character and decide if he/she can be
described by the attribute listed. Have students place an ‘X’ in the boxes when the
attribute applies to the character, and leave it blank when it does not.
STEP 4
DISCUSSION
After the students have finished their chart, divide them into small groups and tell
them to discuss and defend their opinions.
ASSESSMENT
The Semantic Feature Analysis Chart is good to assess students’ comprehension of the
vocabulary and the literature. The teacher can assess their knowledge of the
vocabulary by the words students picked for each character. The comprehension of
the vocabulary and the literature will increase as they are asked to put the two
together and analyze their interpretation.
Christy Bateman, 2006

Semantic Feature Analysis Chart
The Outsiders
Teacher Example
Directions: This chart has a list of characters from The Outsiders and a list of attributes. One by one, analyze each of
the characters and decide if he can be described by these words. Put an ‘X’ in the boxes that describe the character, and
leave those blank that do not. Do this for each of the eight characters listed. Be prepared to defend your answers.
Attribute
Character
Gallant Egotistical Ambitious Benevolent Gregarious Witty Striking Malicious Apathetic Introverted Passionate
Ponyboy X X X X X X
Sodapop X X X X X
Darry X X X X X X
Dally X X X X X X
Johnny X X X X
Two-Bit X X X X
Cherry X X X X X
Randy X X
Christy Bateman, 2006