5. Friends, exes, enemies, and the people who define him
Nancy Wheeler: His first great romantic relationship. Nancy isn't just an ex — she's also a symbol of everything Steve was sure he wanted when he was "King Steve," and of everything he failed to keep. Between them there is real affection, historical attraction, wound, and respect. In later canon it's already less "will they get back together," and more the knowledge that they've been through enough together for something always to remain unfinished. [1][2][3]
Dustin Henderson: This is perhaps Steve's most important relationship in the show in terms of who he becomes. The relationship between them is big brother, mentor, unacknowledged father, and real friendship. The official guide for season 5 emphasizes that this relationship is at the front in the final season. [1][2]
Robin Buckley: One of the best and most accurate friendships in the show. Robin sees through Steve, laughs at him, ridicules him, and still stays deeply loyal to him. For writing purposes, it's important to remember: this is not a romantic relationship, this is a relationship of intimate friendship, trust, and affection built through danger and laughter. [1][2][4]
Project lock: before Day Zero, Steve and Robin are chosen family. He is her person, almost a brother, the place she runs to when home doesn't hold and when she needs to be less hidden; she is his person, the place he runs to when no one is home and when he doesn't want to be only "Steve Harrington." This relationship persists after Ronance and does not compete with it.
Jonathan Byers: At first a rival, later an ally. Jonathan reminds Steve of the least flattering parts of himself, but also forces him to grow. The relationship between them is never quite easy, and that's good for writing. [2][3]
Eddie Munson: The relationship is shorter but very meaningful. Eddie clearly identifies Steve's loyalty and his place with Dustin, and this is especially important because through Eddie the viewer again sees how much Steve is perceived as someone who protects others. [2]
The Party — Mike, Lucas, Max, Eleven, Will, Erica: Even if Dustin is the heart, Steve becomes in practice a protective figure for the entire young group. He is no longer just "Nancy's boyfriend," but the half-adult field man who always somehow finds himself responsible for more kids. [2][4]
His parents: More important than they seem. The not-warm relationship with his father, and the sense that Steve received a lot externally but less emotionally, explains why he so needs love, is so good at giving it through actions, and so bad at asking for it directly. [2]
Enemies and shadows:
- Billy Hargrove — male, aggressive, violent, distorted rival, who brings out from Steve both weakness and standing-firm.
- Tommy H and Carol — not big enemies, but a reminder of the emptier life he had.
- Vecna and the Upside Down, of course,
- But Steve's real enemy many times is the old version of himself — the beautiful, popular kid it was too easy to stay being. [1][2][3]