Steve is a blank canvas, even more devoid of autonomy than, say, Link. Even though Link never speaks or expresses ideas of his own, one can get an idea of what he’s like based on certain clues given in the games, and we know at the very least that he’s a classic hero who sacrifices himself for the common good.

Steve is a pure avatar, if he has his own name just because even objects have one. Steve is everything the player wants him to be, hero, explorer, slaver, exploiter… and there will never be a conflict; contrary to Link, who cannot stop being a hero.

My point is that, in my opinion, a hero must have his own character and autonomy, however minimal it may be, so that one can see in them an ideal to which to point to (Link’s bravery, Sonic’s love of freedom, etc.).