He’s the Greaser who knows cars better than anyone.
Steve Randle, Sodapop’s steadfast best friend in S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, brings cocky confidence, mechanical expertise, and a fierce hatred for the Socs to the gang’s dynamic.
Working alongside Soda at the DX station, Steve’s loyalty is undeniable, though his sharp edges sometimes create friction, particularly with Ponyboy.
This collection highlights Steve’s character through 6 key direct quotes and essential narrative descriptions. Explore his relationship with Soda, his views on fighting, and his specific brand of Greaser attitude, all accurately cited with page numbers from the Platinum Edition (Viking, 2006).
Get to know Sodapop’s other half and the gang’s car guru.
Return to The Outsiders Study Guide Hub
Soda’s Best Buddy: Friendship and Friction
Steve’s identity is deeply intertwined with his lifelong bond with Sodapop, creating both strong loyalty and occasional tension regarding Ponyboy’s presence.
“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, about Steve’s friendship with Soda & view of Ponyboy (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Chapter 1, Page 9
(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, about Ponyboy’s feelings towards Steve (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), 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, about Steve & Soda’s energy (Character: Ponyboy Curtis as narrator), Chapter 1, Page 16
“Knows Cars Upside Down”: The Mechanic
Steve’s true passion and talent lie with cars, making him the gang’s go-to expert and defining his role 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, about Steve Randle’s skills (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), 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), Chapter 7, Page 105
“Fighting out of Hatred”: Toughness and the Rumble
Unlike others in the gang, Steve’s motivation for fighting stems directly from hatred towards the Socs, showcasing his combative nature.
“…Steve Randle… had once held off four guys with a busted pop bottle…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, about Steve Randle’s toughness (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), 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), Chapter 9, Page 133
“Soda fought for fun, Steve for hatred…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, about Steve’s motivation (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Chapter 9, Page 137
Greaser Life: Wisecracks and Loyalty
Steve fully embraces the Greaser lifestyle, quick with a cynical remark or challenge, but ultimately loyal to the gang’s code and his friends.
“Steve was looking at Dally’s hand… “You break up with Sylvia again?””
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle to Dally), 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, about greasers, stereotypes, identity (Character: Steve Randle), 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), 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), Chapter 12, Pages 177-78
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).
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.
We hope this collection of 6 direct quotes, alongside key descriptions accurately cited from the Platinum Edition (Viking, 2006), clarifies Steve’s role within the story.
What do you think drives Steve Randle the most: loyalty or hatred? Let us know below!
Cite This Page (MLA Format)
Mortis, Jeremy. “6 Defining Steve Randle Quotes With Page Numbers From The Outsiders.” Ageless Investing, 11 June 2024, agelessinvesting.com/steve-randle-quotes/.
Reference Edition Used
Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. Platinum ed., Viking Books for Young Readers, 2006.
Further Reading & Related Resources:
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the SPARK 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.