Stephanie "Steph" Harper is a character in the Fallout Television Series.
Background[edit]
Stephanie was born on February 15, 2045 in Canada where she was raised to be a Catholic by her mother Joan. Stephanie and her mother were placed inside the Uranium City internment camp following the United States Annexation of Canada, which they escaped. During the escape, Joan was mortally injured by a Canadian suicide bomber as he was attacking a U.S. Marine in Power Armor. As she died, Joan told Stephanie to forget everything she had taught her and to survive however she could, and that God wouldn't judge her.[1][2]
Stephanie traveled across the border into the United States, where she took up a job at the Lucky 38 in Las Vegas as a maid. After an encounter with Hank MacLean, the two were married, and she moved to Los Angeles, where she became an employee of the Vault-Tec Corporation and a member of Bud's Buds. At the onset of the war, she, along with the rest of the Buds, entered Vault 31, where she was cryogenically frozen in preparation for the future. The purpose of Bud's Buds was to breed the Buds with the dwellers of Vaults 32 and 33 over time, developing a new class of "super managers."
Centuries later, Stephanie was unfrozen and sent to Vault 33 as part of the vaults Triennial Trade. There she married Bert on March 17, 2294. In 2296, she gave birth to her first child.
Publications[edit]
By Episode[edit]
S1E1 - The End
Stephanie is first seen working as a member of the Young Pipefitter's Association association, working alongside her best friend Lucy MacLean. On the day of Lucy's wedding, she helps her prepare, gifting her the wedding dress she used for her wedding two years prior. The two walk together to the Vault 33 Farm, where Stephanie watches as Lucy talks to her father, Overseer Hank MacLean, about her deceased mother, Rose. When Betty Pearson ushers the Vault Dwellers to the Vault 32 Door, Stephanie travels with the group alongside her husband, Bert. When their Vault 32 guests, and Monty is revealed as Lucy's future husband, Stephanie quietly remarks that Lucy is "lucky", causing a reaction from her husband Bert.
During the dinner following Lucy and Monty's wedding, Stephanie sits alongside Lucy, and across from Bert. While eating, the Vault 32 guest next to her uses a knife to steal a portion of Cram from Stephanie's plate, which she laughs off. After Lucy asks Monty about his sperm count, Stephanie taps her arm to get her to stop talking. When Overseer Hank reveals that sensors indicate that radiation levels on the surface would be at safe levels for the next generation of Vault Dwellers to recolonize, which causes Stephanie to express joy and clap alongside Lucy. As the speech ends and the dance begins, she dances with Bert, before beginning a conversation with Hank and his son, Norm. Later in the night, she laughs and talks with Lucy and the Vault 33 Officiant, before Lucy departs to her home with her new husband, at which point she shoots the officiant a smirk, elbowing him knowingly.
When the Vault 32 residents reveal themselves to be raiders from the surface and begin their attack, Burt is killed. Stephanie sits, holding his body, before becoming enraged and rushing one of the raiders. In the scuffle, her right eye is poked out with a fork before she wrestles the raider's gun away, killing them with it. She is subsequently captured by Lee Moldaver and her guards, being held hostage and used to force Overseer Hank into making a decision that results in his capture. She escapes as Moldaver detonates a bomb, sealing the Vault 32 door behind her.
Stephanie attends the assembly held by the Vault 33 Council the following day, still wearing her bloodstained vault suit from the night before.
S1E3 - The Head
Stephanie, now wearing an eyepatch, attends a meeting held by the Vault 33 Council about what to do about the captured raiders. When Reg states that, due to the raiders having intimate knowledge of the vault's security, they cannot be freed, she scoffs and shakes her head. When Norm suggests that, instead of reeducating and integrating the raiders into vault society, they kill them, she looks at him and slowly nods her head. After the meeting, she approaches Norm, stating that he's right about the raiders and that if Hank were there, he would do the right thing.
S1E4 - The Ghouls
Stephanie arrives to visit Chet in his apartment, asking how he is doing and gifting him several of the late Bert's personal belongings. She asks him how he is doing, to which he responds, "Not great, to be honest." He proceeds to ask how she is handling the death of the father of her unborn baby, to which she responds "same". As Stephanie sets down the crate of Bert's things, Chet remarks that Bert was a good man, who took great care of his shoes, which Stephanie states was one of the few things Bert truly loved. If one got Bert started about shoe maintenance, he would carry on until everyone left the room. She states that she loved him and that the raiders who took him away from her are monsters. Stephanie continues, telling Chet that it would mean a lot to her if he took Bert's shoes, with Chet responding that he would try to wear them. Stephanie then dresses Chet up in one of Bert's cardigans and scarves. At this point, Stephanie starts crying, repeatedly referring to Chet as Bert, and embraces him. She then begins kissing him, still referring to him as Bert. The two move to the bed, with Chet declaring, "Yes, I am Bert". Things continue to escalate, before suddenly stopping, their romance interrupted by her water breaking and the beginning of labor. Stephanie proceeds to give birth to her and Bert's baby on Chet's couch.
S1E5 - The Past
After Betty is elected overseer, Stephanie is present at the celebration, seated in the front row. Later while she is in the shower, Norm and Chet argue over the fact that for 200 years, Vault 32 and 33 have almost always elected individuals from Vault 31 to the position of Overseer. As they fight, Chet points out that Stephanie is from Vault 31. As she exits the shower, Norm prepares to leave, before asking her how Vault 31 is different from 33, as his father never told him much. She responds vaguely, stating that the mashed potatoes were a little better, which Norm says is what his father used to tell him.
After Betty calls for a Vault meeting, Stephanie joins the assembled vault dwellers at Vault 32's door while sitting in a wheelchair, where they are informed by Overseer Betty that they will visit the vault as a community. Betty also announced to the assembled community that her and the Vault 31 overseer had agreed to enact a resettlement campaign, with half of Vault 33's population moving to Vault 32 to recolonize. As the group enter Vault 32, they find the place spotless, completely clean and devoid the carnage previously discovered by Chet and Norm.
S1E7 - The Radio
When Overseer Betty begins the vault reassignment, Stephanie is happy to discover she is moving to Vault 32. When Norm visits the apartment, Stephanie answers the door, and comments to Norm how terrible the deaths of the raiders was. She then tells Chet not to be long talking to Norm as, because she is holding the baby, he has to pack everything. She then tells Norm that they will miss him before turning away and walking deeper into the apartment. After several minutes, she beckons for Chet, ending his conversation with Norm.
Stephanie then gathers with the rest of the Vault 32 colonists to say goodbye to those remaining in Vault 33 at the Vault 32 door alongside Chet. Betty names Stephanie the new interim overseer of Vault 32, once again ensuring that someone originating from Vault 31 becomes an overseer. As the move occurs, she happily crosses over smiling and standing alongside Chet.
S2E1 - The Innovator
In Vault 32, Davey meets with Overseer Stephanie Harper as she struggles to type on her terminal. Davey informs her of his struggles adjusting to life in Vault 32, stating that in 33 he would exit his quarters, and take two right turns to arrive at the elevator, while in 32 he has to take two left turns.[3] Stephanie tells him that everything in Vault 32 is mirrored from 33, and asks him what he would have her do about his problem.[4][5] Davey suggests signage before dismissing it as "controversial" and instead proposes a feasibility study on the topic of signage.
Chet meets Stephanie in her office, where she slices an orange while discussing Davey. Chet questions her on a potential job assignment, as he has yet to receive one, unlike everyone else. He mentions that his experience as Gate-Keeper of Vault 33 qualifies him for the position. Stephanie tells him that she needs someone to take care of the baby, stating that "it" is used to him. He responds that "he" is not his baby and mentions how everyone is acting like he is. Chet requests that Stephanie at least name the baby, telling her that their neighbors have started calling him "Chet Jr." Stephanie suggests keeping the name "Chet Jr.", which Chet resists, explaining that it was his father's name, who he watched starve to death during the Weevil Famine. He elaborates that because of this, the name holds personal significance for him.[6] Stephanie responds by stabbing the knife into the desk and asking whether they are arguing. Chet agrees to the name and leaves. Stephanie then attempts to contact Norm and discovers that inter-vault communications are disabled.
S2E4 - The Demon in the Snow
At the Inter-Vault Space between 32 and 33, Overseers Stephanie Harper and Betty Pearson meet. Betty informs Stephanie about the evacuation of Vault 31 by Norm MacLean, and the death of Bud Askins. Stephanie points out that it is just them now, with Betty stating that it is a "brave new world". She tells Stephanie that the water crisis in 33 is getting worse, to which Stephanie responds that if she gives them access to the 32 water supply, it would taint the work they are doing. Betty questions what work she means now that Bud is dead, to which Stephanie responds that the work is to survive. She points out that the two of them have always disagreed on how to do that. She tells Betty that she would be more than happy to discuss a Triennial Trade via the vaults telegram system.
Betty tells Stephanie that she appointed her overseer based on the understanding that the two of them would help each other, with Stephanie responding that she only agreed to meet with Betty in person as a gesture of gratitude. She tells Betty that she has to think about her baby now, and that is all that matters. Betty tells her that she woke up 40 years prior, and that in that time she realized that Vault-Tec isn't coming to save them, all they have is each-other. Stephanie informs Betty of a pre-war keepsake box that Hank MacLean took into Vault 31 with him, telling her that if she brings it to her, she will consider granting Vault 33 access to 32's water. When questioned what could be inside, she tells Betty that it is personal.
Still lost, Woody Thomas walks through the vault before hearing voices coming from the Inter-Vault space. Following the sounds, he overhears Betty remark that Stephanie is holding them hostage, to which Stephanie objects. Betty tells Stephanie that she doesn't understand how bad things could get, causing Stephanie to respond that Betty is from Solvang and doesn't understand how bad things can get. As Stephanie turns to leave, Betty tells her that if she doesn't help, there won't be a Vault 33 anymore. Stephanie tells Betty that the experiment is over and they must make their own decisions now, which Woody hears clearly. As Stephanie re-enters Vault 32, Woody flees.
As Chet puts clothes away in his and Stephanie's apartment, Woody meets with Stephanie in the living room. Woody tells her that the Vault-Tec Handbook states that any violation that may put vault security at risk needs to be reported to the Overseer. When Stephanie questions whether someone has committed a violation, he states that she did. As Chet listens, Woody tells her that he witnessed her in the inter-vault space speaking to Overseer Betty of Vault 33, which is only allowed during Triennial Trades according to the handbook.
Stephanie thanks him for bringing it to her attention, stating that he has followed protocol to the letter. She assures him that she will escalate his report to the Overseer, and when he points out that she is the Overseer, she responds that that makes it easy. As Chet puts socks away in the dresser, he discovers a false bottom. As Woody questions why she was in the inter-vault space, Chet pulls a wallet out of the space beneath the false bottom. Opening it, he pulls out a pre-War Provisional Citizenship Card and discovers to his horror that Stephanie is, in fact, Canadian, being born in the year 2045.
Hearing Stephanie ushering Woody towards the door, Chet quickly stashes what he has found back in the drawer. As Woody leaves, he addresses Chet, stating he hopes he is adjusting to all the changes they have gone through lately. Glancing at Chet, he asks Stephanie what she meant when she said the word "experiment" when talking to Betty. While Chet stands in shock, Steph responds that she was talking about "overseer stuff" and closes the door in Woody's face.
S2E7 - The Handoff
The Past
Canada
Following the United States Annexation of Canada group of Canadians flees through the woods after escaping the Uranium City internment camp. Dodging gunfire, Stephanie Harper and her mother, Joan, run through the forests as alarms blare. The pair stops as they spot an approaching Vertibird, before being approached by a member of the United States Marines wearing T-45 Power Armor and wielding a M199 assault rifle. The marine orders the pair of "hosers" to return to the internment camp, before being blindsided by a Canadian suicide bomber, who rushes the marine before detonating, killing himself and the armored American in the process. Stephanie and Joan are knocked to the ground by the blast.
The Present
Vault 32
Stephanie Harper awakes suddenly in her bed, lying next to Chet. She stands from her bed, proceeding to the bathroom where she begins brushing her teeth. As she brushes, she recalls the rest of the events in Canada.
The Past
Canada
Having been mortally injured by the explosion, Joan lies against a log while Stephanie attempts to staunch the bleeding. Joan comforts her daughter, telling her to go south and cross the border into the United States, and to get somewhere warm. She tells her that while she raised her Catholic, Steph needs to forget all of it. When Stephanie tells her mother that she's coming with her, Joan responds that it is too late for her. Joan proceeds to tell Stephanie that there is a flood coming and that she must do whatever she can to stay above water and survive. Joan assures Stephanie that if she has to hurt people, God won't judge her. Her last lesson is telling Stephanie not to think of "them" as human beings, but rather to think of them as Americans.
Stephanie flees south through the woods, stopping to murder a man and steal his Pork n' Beans. She continues to the Canadian border with America, and after a Border Agent asks to see her passport, murders him as well before continuing south.
The Present
Vault 32
Stephanie finishes brushing her teeth, spitting out the now bloody paste.
Later that day, In Vault 32, Chet washes dishes while Stephanie works on paperwork at the kitchen table. Chet tells Steph that he heard the pair is getting married, but Steph shuts him down when he asks why. Turning back to the dishes, he turns on the garbage disposal, only for it to begin making a noise like something is stuck inside. After Chet turns it off, he reaches inside the disposal, pulling out the glasses of Woody Thomas, explaining his disappearance. Horrified, he asks Stephanie if she has seen him recently, with her telling him that he went on a leadership exchange program to Vault 31.
Chet looks at the glasses again, before crushing them up and shoving them back into the disposal.
Later on, Stephanie Harper exits Vault 32 into the Inter-Vault Chamber of Vault 33, where she finds Hank MacLean's Keepsake Box waiting on a cart. As she exits to retrieve it, she is startled by Betty, who had been hiding in the shadows next to the door. Betty congratulates Stephanie on her impending marriage, causing Steph to question if Betty is spying on her, which she confirms. Betty tells Stephanie that she and the rest of the Bud's Buds used to be afraid of her, but she tells Steph that she has learned a lot while she was still in cryo. Stephanie responds that she learned a lot before being frozen, and turns to take the cart into Vault 32.
Betty blocks her path, reminding her of her promise to divert 50% of 32's water to 33. Stephanie assures her that she will get the water, and takes the box to leave. As she goes to enter 32, Betty tells her that she wants no part in what Steph is planning to do, and she just wants the Vault Dwellers to live in peace. Stephenie responds that the deal was for the water and that the future is another matter. Stephanie turns and returns to Vault 32, taking the keepsake with her.
The next day, As the dwellers of Vault 32 sit in attendance, Stephanie Harper and Chet stand at the altar, with their wedding being officiated by Davey. During the declaration of intent, Chet instead says that he doesn't want to marry her. He reveals that he thought this would be his only chance to have an audience for what he is about to say. He reveals to the crowd that he believes Stephanie means to hurt them, and that she killed the missing Woody Thomas, as he found his glasses in their garbage disposal. When pressed on the location of the glasses by Davey, he admits he put them back in the disposal. Davey takes this as cold feet and prepares to continue the ceremony. Chet then reveals to the crowd that Stephanie is, in fact, over 200 years old. He then reveals, while pulling out her Provisional Citizenship Card, which he had stolen, that she is Canadian, resulting in screams of shock and horror from the assembled Vault Dwellers. Davey takes the card from Chet to take a look at it himself.
In the wake of the revelation, Stephanie flees the ceremony, escaping to her office with enraged Vault Dwellers in hot pursuit. Closing the door, she proceeds to her desk as chants demanding she open the door begin outside.
S2E8 - The Strip
The Past
McCarran International Airport
In McCarran International Airport, Cooper and Barbara Howard accept drinks from a waitress, and discuss moving to either Bakersfield or Colorado. The pair is approached by Hank, who tells Cooper he makes an amazing wingman. Behind him, Stephanie Harper steps forward, and the pair reveal that they are now engaged. Hank tells Cooper that she has an amazing resume, and he hopes that Bud Askins will have a job offer for her. Cooper and Barb congratulate them before the pair departs.
Barbara asks Cooper if they are leaving Vegas winners, as the pair begins walking. As they walk through the building, every payphone nearby begins to ring in unison.
The Present
Stephanie Harper sits at her desk as the enraged residents of Vault 32 pound on her door, chanting for her to open up. Reaching under her desk, she pulls out Hank MacLean's Keepsake Box and places it on her desk. Opening it, she pulls out a Pip-Boy 3000 Mark V, painted in an Enclave livery. Outside her office, the chants turn to a proclamation of "death to management", spurred on by Davey and Irv. Recognizing the phrase from his first excursion into Vault 32, Chet gets nervous.
Steph begins talking into the Pip-Boy, stating that she is Hank MacLean's wife, and that he told her that the Enclave was always listening. She instructs them to initiate "phase two".
Behind the Scenes[edit]
- Stephanie Harper's character description on Amazon Prime Video originally stated that she was native to Vault 33 (which contradicted the show, in which she is from Vault 31) and that her husband Bert was a breeder from Vault 32, traded to Vault 33 for agricultural and mechanical resources. This was later removed from the English character description, but remained in the ones for other languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese and German.[Ext 1]
- In storyboards for the Raider attack seen in S1E1 - The End, Betty would get stabbed in the eye with a fork instead of Steph.[Ext 2]
Gallery[edit]
At the border
Lucy, Steph, Monty and Bert during the wedding speech, held by Overseer Hank MacLean
Steph and Bert watching Lucy and Hank dance
Dancing
With her deceased husband Bert
After the raid
Steph shooting an assault rifle half-blind
Holding her injured eye
As seen during Fallout TV Show - Prime Video Official Trailer
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References[edit]
- ↑ Joan: "I know I raised you Catholic, but you forget all that, okay?"
(S2E7 - The Handoff/Dialogue) - ↑ Joan: "Now, you keep your head above that water any way you can. And you get south of that border and you cling to the highest branch you can find, and you survive. If you have to hurt people, God won't judge you."
(S2E7 - The Handoff/Dialogue) - ↑ S2E1 - The Innovator/Dialogue#383
- ↑ S2E1 - The Innovator/Dialogue#387
- ↑ S2E1 - The Innovator/Dialogue#391
- ↑ S2E1 - The Innovator/Dialogue#429
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