Steffy has suffered many losses throughout her life, which according to Wood is the reason for her deep-seated issues and puzzling storylines. Wood has also described the character as a "rich bitch". While characterized as being provocative and strong-willed, Steffy is emotionally starved on the inside due to her father's neglect. The character is known for her relationships with the Spencer men: Bill Spencer, Jr. (Don Diamont), Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton) and Wyatt Spencer (Darin Brooks) as well as animosities towards the Logan family, particularly her mother's rival Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) and her own arch-rival Hope Logan (Kim Matula, later Annika Noelle). For several years, Steffy's storyline revolved around a love triangle with Hope and Liam.