* Ponyboy's memories of his parents: Throughout the book, Ponyboy frequently reflects on his parents' death and how this shaped him. These reminiscences offer insight into his loneliness, his yearning for stability, and his connection with Darrel (Darry).
* The rumble at the vacant lot: The book opens with the rumble, but through Ponyboy's narration, we gradually learn the events leading up to it. This gradual unveiling of the story adds suspense and allows the reader to fully understand the context and motivations behind the rumble.
* The "Socs" and their perspective: The novel is primarily told from Ponyboy's perspective as a greaser, but there are moments where we glimpse the world of the Socs, particularly through Johnny Cade's memories of Bob Sheldon and his interaction with the Socs. These glimpses provide a more complex understanding of the social dynamics and the conflict between the two groups.
These instances of shifting back in time aren't formal flashbacks, but they function similarly by providing background information and deepening the reader's understanding of the characters, the conflict, and the events of the story.