Susan Hargrove, previously known as Susan Mayfield, is a recurring character in the second season and fourth seasons of Stranger Things. She is the ex-wife of Neil Hargrove and Sam Mayfield, the biological mother of Max Mayfield and the stepmother of Billy Hargrove.
History
Background
At some point, Susan divorced her previous husband Sam Mayfield and underwent a string of relationships with at least four different men, none of which lasted very long. Working as a teller at a bank, she met the security guard Neil Hargrove, who developed an attraction for her until he finally proposed.[1] She later married Neil Hargrove despite his abusive nature, moving from California to Hawkins, Indiana in 1984.
1984
On November 4, 1984, Susan and Neil returned home from running errands, only to find Max missing and her bedroom window opened. Susan and Neil confronted Billy on Max's whereabouts, only to find out that he does not know where she is. When Neil starts abusing Billy, Susan watches in discomfort as Neil reprimands Billy for not being respectful and having responsibility. When Neil makes Billy apologize to Susan, she tries to assure that it's okay, but Neil stops her, saying Billy's behavior is not okay. Susan watches Neil order Billy to find Max and moves out of the way to let Neil leave the room before leaving too.
On December 15, she helped Max with her hair to get ready for the Snow Ball, as she complimented on her daughter's hair.
1986
By April of 1986, Susan and Neil have split. Susan began drinking heavily and had to pick up two jobs in order to keep a roof over herself and Max's heads.
Personality
Susan is a kind, but a timid housewife. She genuinely cares for her daughter and stepson. She seems to have qualms with Neil's abusive parenting methods, shown by her trying to tell him it’s okay after he slaps Billy and forces him to apologize for being disrespectful.
In 1986, after the death of her stepson and her divorce from Neil, Susan became depressed where she began drinking heavily, but she remained strong to work two jobs in order to provide for herself and her daughter.
Appearances
| Season Two appearances | |||
| The Mind Flayer | The Gate | ||
| Season Four appearances | |||
| The Hellfire Club | Vecna's Curse | ||
| Dear Billy | |||
Family tree
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Trivia
- Fans thought Suzie, Do You Copy? would be about her.
