He’s the Greaser who knows cars better than anyone, Sodapop’s loyal but sometimes prickly best friend.
Steve Randle, a key member of the gang in S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, brings cocky confidence, mechanical expertise, and a fierce hatred for the Socs to the narrative.
Working alongside Soda at the DX station, Steve’s steadfast loyalty is undeniable, though his sharp edges and occasional resentment towards Ponyboy create friction within the group.
This collection highlights Steve’s character through 12 key quotes and narrative descriptions. Explore his inseparable bond with Soda, his views on fighting, and his distinct Greaser attitude, all accurately cited with page numbers from the Platinum Edition (Viking, 2006).
Steve’s identity is deeply intertwined with his lifelong bond with Sodapop, creating both strong loyalty and occasional tension.
Soda’s Best Buddy: Friendship and Friction
Steve’s unwavering loyalty to Sodapop defines him, though this close bond sometimes fuels his impatience with Ponyboy tagging along.
“Steve Randle was seventeen… Soda’s best buddy since grade school… I liked Steve only because he was Soda’s best friend. He didn’t like me— he thought I was a tagalong and a kid… that bugged Steve.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Theme: Friendship, Loyalty, Resentment, Chapter 1, Page 9
Ponyboy clearly perceives the tension, understanding Steve’s annoyance at his presence interfering with Steve’s time with Sodapop. How did Soda feel? See Sodapop’s Perspective.
“I’d never tell Soda, because he really likes Steve a lot, but sometimes I can’t stand Steve Randle.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Theme: Resentment, Loyalty (to Soda), Chapter 1, Page 14
“I can understand why Sodapop and Steve get into drag races and fights so much… both of them have too much energy, too much feeling, with no way to blow it off.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy Curtis as narrator), Theme: Restlessness, Coping Mechanisms, Greaser Life, Chapter 1, Page 16
Steve’s true passion and talent lie with cars, making him the gang’s go-to expert.
“Knows Cars Upside Down”: The Mechanic
Steve’s expertise with cars defines his practical skill set and his job alongside Sodapop at the DX station.
“Steve’s specialty was cars. He could lift a hubcap quicker and more quietly than anyone… knew cars upside-down and backward… could drive anything on wheels.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Theme: Skill, Reputation, Character Trait, Chapter 1, Page 9
“Hate to tell you this, buddy, but you have to wear clothes to work. There’s a law or something.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle to Sodapop), Theme: Humor, Friendship Banter, Chapter 7, Page 105
This teasing remark showcases the easy camaraderie between Steve and Sodapop, built on years of friendship and working together.
Unlike others in the gang, Steve’s motivation for fighting stems directly from hatred towards the Socs.
“Fighting out of Hatred”: Toughness and the Rumble
Steve embodies the aggressive side of the Greaser identity, viewing fighting not just as necessary but as a way to express his deep-seated animosity towards the Socs.
“…Steve Randle… had once held off four guys with a busted pop bottle…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Theme: Toughness, Reputation, Violence, Chapter 1, Page 4
“Shoot,” said Steve, “I want to beat those Socs’ heads in. When I get in a fight I want to stomp the other guy good. I like it, too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle on fighting), Theme: Hatred, Violence, Aggression, Chapter 9, Page 133
“Soda fought for fun, Steve for hatred…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Theme: Motivation, Fighting, Hatred, Chapter 9, Page 137
Ponyboy explicitly identifies hatred as Steve’s driving force in the rumble, contrasting him with the other Greasers.
Steve fully embraces the Greaser lifestyle, quick with a cynical remark or challenge, but ultimately loyal.
Greaser Life: Wisecracks and Loyalty
Steve embodies the typical Greaser attitude – tough-talking, sometimes sarcastic, but fiercely loyal to the gang when it counts.
“Steve was looking at Dally’s hand… “You break up with Sylvia again?””
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle to Dally), Theme: Observation, Gang Dynamics, Chapter 1, Page 14
How did Dally take hardship? See Dally Winston’s Quotes.
“Greaser…greaser…greaser…” Steve singsonged. “O victim of environment, underprivileged, rotten, no-count hood!”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle mocking Ponyboy), Theme: Mockery, Greaser Identity, Labels, Chapter 9, Page 136
“Why don’t you get a job?” Steve said [to Two-Bit]. “Ever consider working for a living?”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle), Theme: Banter, Work Ethic (contrast), Chapter 7, Page 112
How did Two-Bit respond? Check Two-Bit’s Comebacks.
¨Is that all that’s bothering you, that switchblade?¨ a red-eyed Steve had snapped at him [Two-Bit].
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle to Two-Bit after Dally’s death), Theme: Grief, Frustration, Misplaced Anger, Chapter 12, Pages 177-178
Even in grief, Steve’s sharp edge shows, misdirecting his pain towards Two-Bit’s seemingly lesser concern.
Steve Randle Quotes FAQ
What is Steve Randle known for in The Outsiders?
Steve Randle is best known as Sodapop Curtis’s best friend, his exceptional skill with cars, and for fighting primarily out of hatred for the Socs.
What are some key quotes BY Steve Randle?
Key direct quotes include: “Hate to tell you this, buddy, but you have to wear clothes to work” (p. 105), “I want to stomp the other guy good” (p. 133), and his sarcastic chant “Greaser… O victim of environment…” (p. 136).
What does Steve Randle care about?
Steve primarily cares about his friendship with Sodapop, his expertise with cars, and upholding the Greaser identity, which includes his intense dislike of the Socs.
Who is Steve Randle’s girlfriend?
Steve’s girlfriend is named Evie. She is mentioned briefly in the context of the boys going out with their girlfriends (Chapter 1, Page 14).
Conclusion: The Steadfast Mechanic
Cocky, capable, and fiercely loyal to his best friend Sodapop, Steve Randle adds a specific edge to the Greaser gang in The Outsiders. His mastery of cars is undeniable, but so is the hatred that fuels his participation in the ongoing conflict. He represents the skilled, sometimes resentful, but ultimately steadfast Greaser identity.
These 12 key quotes and descriptions clarify Steve’s essential role within the story’s complex social fabric.
Delve deeper into the world Hinton created by exploring our full Outsiders Study Guide resources.
A Note on Page Numbers & Edition:
We meticulously sourced these quotes from The Outsiders (Viking Press [Penguin Group], 2006 Platinum Edition paperback). Like Steve tuning an engine, page numbers can vary between editions. Always verify against your copy for accurate citations!
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.