Final answer:
The relationship between the Virginian and Steve changes from close camaraderie to strained, as moral choices and frontier justice test their bond.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between the Virginian and Steve in Owen Wister's novel undergoes a significant transformation as the story progresses. Initially, they are depicted as close companions, with a bond reflective of the rugged camaraderie common among cowboys. However, as the narrative unfolds, moral dilemmas and personal choices drive a wedge between them, a reflection on the complexities of friendships tested by the harsh realities of frontier life. Their changing relationship serves as a means to explore themes such as loyalty, integrity, and the price of justice in the evolving West.