Although unnecessary to play Stardew Valley, raising friendship levels with characters will trigger heart events and earn players great rewards in the form of recipes, gifts, or the chance to date and marry a resident. Alex, the grandson of George and Evelyn, is one character players can befriend and possibly marry. Through Alex's heart events, players can help him deal with the struggles of trying to be a professional gridball player and cope with the loss of his mother.
Source：https://www.cbr.com/stardew-valley-alex-heart-event/
