How does Steffans contribute to Regine's changing perception of the Nazi Party in the novel, A Night in Distant Motion?

Steffans, the Communist farm-stand owner, insists that she treat Jan as a person, not as "subhuman." When she expresses distaste at Jan's presence, Steffans tells her, "you shouldn't be like that, girl. They're all people," introducing her to truths she needs to hear. Steffans opens Regine's eyes to the fact that good and bad exists in all people, including her father who once stole a chicken from Steffans to keep from starving, and that one must judge someone by who he or she is as a person, not by race or political ideals.