The story reaches a boiling point when a brawl breaks out between the Greasers and the Socs, leading to the death of Bob, one of the Socs. This tragic incident deepens the divide between the two groups and sets off a chain of events. The Greasers, led by Ponyboy Curtis, must face the consequences of the violence and grapple with the reality of their situation.
As the conflict escalates, the Greasers find themselves outnumbered and outmatched by the Socs. The tension culminates in a climactic confrontation at a church, where the Greasers seek refuge from an angry mob of Socs. The two groups engage in a final showdown, during which Johnny, one of the Greasers, accidentally kills Bob's friend, leaving him with injuries that ultimately prove fatal.
Throughout the novel, Hinton effectively portrays the consequences of gang rivalry, violence, and prejudice. The tragic events that unfold lead the characters to reflect on their choices and actions and ultimately contribute to a resolution of the conflict.
The main conflict in "The Outsiders" is ultimately resolved through the intervention of adults, particularly Ponyboy's older brother, Darry. Darry steps up and takes responsibility for his younger siblings and the other Greasers, seeking justice and reconciliation between the two rival groups.
Despite the tragic losses they have suffered, the Greasers and the Socs eventually come to terms with their differences. They realize that they are not as different as they had thought and that their hostility towards each other has only caused pain and grief. Ultimately, the main conflict is resolved through a process of understanding, empathy, and the recognition of the shared humanity that unites all individuals, regardless of their social backgrounds or affiliations.