Ruby: The Fiery Heart of Steven Universe
The Essence of Ruby: Passion, Loyalty, and a Fiery Temper
The animated series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar, captivated audiences with its rich storytelling, vibrant characters, and heartfelt exploration of complex themes such as love, family, identity, and healing. Central to the show’s narrative and emotional core is Ruby, one half of the iconic fusion Garnet. More than just a component of a powerful Gem warrior, Ruby is a multifaceted character whose journey unfolds with layers of vulnerability, strength, and fiery passion. Her story delves into the complexities of love, the challenges of independence, the struggle with anger management, and the ultimate pursuit of self-discovery. Ruby, the fiery heart of Steven Universe, is a testament to the show’s dedication to creating nuanced and relatable characters.
Ruby, in her essence, is a being of intense passion and unyielding loyalty. This is immediately apparent in her design: a diminutive Gem with a square-shaped build and a singular, prominent eye. Her fiery red hues are indicative of her elemental power, pyrokinesis, and her explosive personality. She exudes a raw energy that’s both captivating and sometimes volatile.
One of Ruby’s defining characteristics is her unwavering loyalty. This is primarily seen in her devotion to Sapphire, her romantic partner and the other half of Garnet. She is fiercely protective of Sapphire, often placing herself in harm’s way to ensure her safety. Her loyalty extends to the Crystal Gems and, particularly, to Steven. She embodies a sense of duty and responsibility to those she cares about, readily jumping into action to defend them against any threat.
However, Ruby’s intensity can also manifest as impulsivity and anger. She struggles with controlling her emotions, often reacting with fiery outbursts when faced with stressful or frustrating situations. This anger, while sometimes destructive, stems from a deep-seated desire to protect those she loves and a frustration with her own perceived limitations. She is quick to jump to conclusions, act without thinking, and let her emotions dictate her actions. This is in stark contrast to Sapphire’s calm, calculating nature.
Beneath the fiery exterior lies a surprising simplicity and directness. Ruby doesn’t mince words; she expresses herself honestly and straightforwardly. She lacks the subtlety and strategic thinking of Sapphire, preferring a more direct and action-oriented approach. This simplicity, while sometimes a disadvantage, also makes her incredibly genuine and relatable. She presents her true self without pretense, making her a vulnerable and endearing character.
As a Gem, Ruby possesses abilities that complement her fiery personality. Her pyrokinesis allows her to manipulate fire and heat, creating flames with a thought and generating intense heatwaves. She also possesses the standard Gem attributes of super strength and durability, allowing her to withstand significant physical impacts. A less often seen ability is heat vision, which she can use to pinpoint targets. These powers are all intrinsically linked to her emotional state, often intensifying when she is angry or agitated.
A Love Story for the Ages: Ruby and Sapphire’s Unwavering Bond
The love story between Ruby and Sapphire is one of the most celebrated and impactful relationships in Steven Universe. Their initial meeting, as depicted in the episode “The Answer,” is a pivotal moment in the show’s history. Ruby, a soldier assigned to protect Sapphire, a noble Gem with the ability to see the future, instinctively jumps to shield Sapphire from an impending attack. This selfless act of protection sparks an immediate connection between them, a connection that transcends their assigned roles and societal expectations.
Their initial touch leads to an accidental fusion, creating Garnet for the first time. This unexpected fusion is a symbol of their deep love and compatibility. The experience leads them to question the hierarchical structure of Gem society and ultimately choose to rebel against Homeworld. Their love is not just a romantic subplot; it’s a catalyst for change and a testament to the power of individual agency.
Ruby and Sapphire’s personalities complement each other perfectly. Ruby’s fiery passion balances Sapphire’s calm composure. Sapphire’s ability to see the future provides Ruby with guidance and perspective, while Ruby’s impulsiveness injects spontaneity and excitement into Sapphire’s life. Together, they form a harmonious whole, each enhancing the other’s strengths and mitigating their weaknesses. Their relationship emphasizes the importance of trust, understanding, and acceptance. They accept each other, flaws and all, and support each other’s growth.
Their fusion, Garnet, serves as a powerful symbol of their love. Garnet is not simply a combination of their powers and abilities; she is a representation of their unity, their shared experiences, and their unwavering commitment to each other. When Garnet is unfused, it signifies a moment of emotional turmoil or disagreement.
However, their journey is not without its challenges. The episode “Keystone Motel” delves into the complexities of their relationship, showcasing a rare moment of discord. After a heated argument with Greg, Steven’s father, Ruby and Sapphire unfuse, revealing the underlying tensions and miscommunications that can arise even in the most loving relationships. Ruby, feeling unheard and unappreciated, struggles to reconcile her impulsive nature with Sapphire’s need for composure. This episode demonstrates that even the strongest bonds require constant effort, communication, and compromise.
Ultimately, Ruby and Sapphire learn to communicate better and address their individual needs. They realize that their love is not about suppressing their individual identities but about embracing their differences and supporting each other’s growth. Their commitment to each other culminates in their wedding, as depicted in the episode “Reunited,” a joyous celebration of their love and a testament to their enduring bond.
Becoming Her Own Gem: Ruby’s Pursuit of Independence
While Ruby’s relationship with Sapphire is central to her identity, her journey also explores the importance of individual growth and independence. The series shows her learning to embrace her own identity, separate from Garnet.
The episode “Hit the Diamond” provides a glimpse into Ruby’s desire for autonomy and self-expression. While pretending to be a human baseball team, Ruby visibly enjoys the freedom and camaraderie of the game. She finds a sense of belonging and purpose outside of her relationship with Sapphire. This seemingly simple experience highlights her need for individual activities and passions.
Beyond finding hobbies, Ruby grows in her ability to control her anger. Throughout the series, there are numerous scenes where Ruby struggles with her temper. She often lashes out when she feels threatened, frustrated, or insecure. However, as the series progresses, she learns to manage her emotions through self-reflection and the support of others, particularly Sapphire and Steven. She learns to recognize the triggers for her anger and develop coping mechanisms to prevent her emotions from spiraling out of control. This journey is a testament to her growth and maturity.
This growth is also reflected in her evolving appearance and style choices. As she becomes more comfortable in her own skin, she experiments with different outfits and hairstyles, expressing her individuality and self-confidence. These subtle changes in her appearance reflect her inner transformation and her growing sense of self. Ruby’s understanding of her value as an individual, not just as part of Garnet, allows her to contribute more fully to the Crystal Gems and to her relationship with Sapphire.
A Lasting Legacy: Ruby’s Impact on Representation and Themes
Ruby’s impact on Steven Universe extends far beyond her individual storyline. Her relationship with Sapphire serves as a groundbreaking example of positive LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media. Their love is depicted as natural, loving, and enduring, challenging traditional gender norms and promoting inclusivity. The creators gave many in the audience a character and relationship to relate to. Their story resonates with viewers who have felt marginalized or misunderstood, offering a message of hope and acceptance.
Through Ruby’s character, Steven Universe explores a range of complex themes, including love, relationships, commitment, anger management, emotional intelligence, self-discovery, and independence. Her struggles and triumphs resonate with viewers of all ages, offering valuable lessons about navigating relationships, managing emotions, and embracing one’s true self.
Finally, Ruby plays a crucial role in Steven’s development. As a member of the Crystal Gems and one half of Garnet, she serves as a mentor and protector to Steven. She influences Steven’s understanding of love, relationships, and responsibility. She teaches him the importance of standing up for what he believes in and fighting for those he loves. The relationship between Steven and Ruby shows how impactful found family can be.
Conclusion: A Gem of Many Facets
Ruby, the fiery heart of Steven Universe, is more than just a simple, impulsive Gem. She is a complex character whose journey explores universal themes of love, identity, and personal growth. Her fiery passion, unwavering loyalty, and struggles with anger management make her both relatable and endearing. Her relationship with Sapphire is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and commitment. Ultimately, Ruby teaches us that even the most intense emotions can be harnessed for good and that true strength lies in embracing our vulnerabilities and striving to become our best selves. She is a powerful example of a character that continues to resonate with audiences long after the show’s conclusion.
