Steve Harrington has become one of Stranger Things most beloved characters through his transformational development between seasons 1 and 3. When the audience first meets Steve, he's portrayed as a typical jock with a seemingly perfect life. He's a bit of a bully with the too cool-for-school attitude and a sweet haircut. Yet even in season 1, fans notice redeeming qualities about him. He's softer than he seems and it's easy to relate to the often confusing rollercoaster - the desire to be popular - that causes people to flounder, make mistakes, and maybe not always do the right thing in young adolescence.
Steve has experienced character arcs for different purposes in each season of Stranger Things. In each, there is a new obstacle he must overcome and therefore internal change he must undergo. Because he exhibits so many changes within three seasons, fans could argue Steve's character development is one of the show's best. When the audience last leaves Steve, he and his new friend Robin are hired to work at a video rental store. Fans are excited to see what developments will take shape for him in Season 4, which drops on Netflix at the end of the month.
He Leans In To His Inner Goof
In season 3, Steve comes off as a little dorkier than he has in the past. He doesn't know how to talk to the ladies as much as it seems he used to, he's got a silly handshake with Dustin, and he acts like a bit of a lovable oaf.
This is a complete departure from when fans first meet him. He's not tied up in popularity nonsense and status the way he once was. In season 3, he's almost learning how to get back his confidence, which perhaps he lost when he and Nancy ended things in season 2. Goofy Steve, the one that embraces his own quirks, is one of his most impressionable sides.
The Big Brother In Him
By the end of season 2, it's easy to forget that Steve is an only child. He settles into a big brother role almost seamlessly. When he's introduced, he comes off as a spoiled teenager who's used to getting what he wants. But in season 2, when he and Dustin form an unexpected friendship, fans discover a protective side of him that is very brotherly.
But it's not just Dustin who gets something from Steve's unlikely friendship in Stranger Things. Though their back and forth is typically riddled with sarcasm and playful bickering, the audience can tell that Steve gets something from their friendship too. He leans on Dustin just as much as Dustin leans on him. Much like any sibling dynamic. Although he's closest with Dustin, he takes on this kind of older brother role with each member of the party. Fans will remember how season 2 spawned some hilarious memes relating Steve to Adventures in Babysitting.
Not Pressuring Nancy
Fans will remember Steve sneaking into Nancy's bedroom in season 1, wanting to kiss her rather than study as they'd planned. This scene, at first, seems to go exactly as fans would assume. Of course, Steve doesn't want to just study. In the first half of this scene, he in many ways fulfills the '80s popular jock trope.
But later when he pulls back, it's unexpected of him or at least shows a different side than what the audience has thus far seen. She jokingly calls him an idiot, he tells her she's beautiful, and he continues to quiz her with flashcards. Fans could argue it's one of the reasons he's so drawn to Nancy: she makes him better, or at least want to be better.
Coming Through To Help
After fighting Jonathan in season 1, Steve showcases one of his best traits when he decides to go over to Jonathan's house to apologize to him. Steve may act out of haste, but he's also quick to apologize. When he sees that they're together yet again, along with the poor state of the Byers' house, he decides to leave.
However, when he sees the lights flicker, and despite believing that something is going on between Nancy and Jonathan, he knows something is wrong and turns around to help. This tells fans one of the most important things about him - deep down Steve wants to do the right and honorable thing. He gets thrown into the terrifying world of The Upside Down unwillingly, but he handles it better than some might and comes through when other characters need him most.
Letting Nancy Go
Nancy and Steve's relationship is left open-ended after their fight on Halloween in season 2. Nancy teams up with Jonathan and it isn't until they get back into town that the status of their relationship becomes clear.
They have a brief and subtle discussion in the season 2 finale where he understands her connection with Jonathan. Rather than another fight between one of Stranger Thing's worst couples, he shows true strength and maturity by simply telling Nancy she should go with Jonathan. Steve lets her go because he loves her and knows it's what's best, demonstrating how far he's come from his days of picking unnecessary fights.
Heart-To-Heart With Robin
When Robin confides in Steve that she likes girls, it comes as a shock to him, especially since he had just finished declaring his feelings for her. But he's able to turn what could be an awkward moment into a touching one where two characters both experience a transformation of sorts, one where they decide to no longer cling to their pasts.
Fans see his maturity in handling the situation, how he's accepting of Robin and comforts her as a friend. Steve two seasons ago would've been more concerned with what Tommy and Carol thought along with the rest of the often cruel, judgmental high school student body. It's a good call back to season 1 and shows how long of a way Steve has come.
Steve As Protector
Steve establishes the big brother in him in season 2, but what is also important to note is his overall desire to protect. Taking charge and protecting others makes him feel good about himself. The audience can tell that it comes as a surprise even to him.
This is Steve at his best, where he thrives the most, proving what makes him one of Stranger Things' most beloved characters. Whether it's protecting the party from Demodogs or Billy or the secret Russians in season 3, defending those around him gives him a purpose he seems to somewhat lose when he goes through his "I cared about the wrong things in high school" transformation.
His Unsuccessful Pursuit In Love
When fans meet Steve in season 1, it's clear he's used to getting who he wants, when he wants. Nancy tells him she's not just looking to be another notch on his belt. The audience watches as Nancy changes things for him in the romance department, but unfortunately, the audience also sees that there's someone better for her. Of course, this comes to a head in season 2 when she reveals she doesn't love Steve and ends up with Jonathan.
By the time season 3 rolls around, Steve has already shown exponential growth and is established as a beloved fan favorite. He hasn't had the best luck in love but now that he's proved to live up to his good-guy potential, fans want that for him. Steve has shown how genuine he can be. It makes fans hope for and wonder if a love connection is on the horizon for him in season 4.
Next: 10 Things We Can Expect To See In Stranger Things Season 4