Character Playlist: Ruby

Character art by Mr. K

Ruby was such a complete accident of a character, born out of a mix of story economy and my own inability to not give my characters super powers to beat people up with. She started out as just an ordinary escort roped into one of Brass’s schemes early in the story, but she had such a fun dynamic with him I kept finding excuses to bring her back. Whenever a scene called for a normal person’s perspective or inclusion, I thought “well, Ruby’s already right there,” and before I knew it, she had become an integral part of the story, as an everywoman outsider perspective on the characters, as a symbol of the impact the Starbreakers can have on ordinary people’s lives, and eventually, as a member of the next generation of heroes.

Also, she’s my excuse to slip in tidbits of lore on how demons and devils work in Asher, but that bit’s mostly just for my enjoyment.

Without further ado, her character playlist: one part being hot and dangerous, one part healing from the darkness life deals you.

Don’t Stop the Devil — Dead Posey

Ruby can do all the good deeds and have all the fun she wants with her magic powers, but she can never change the fact of where they come from. The song’s fast and energetic, and perfectly captures that feeling of dancing with something dangerous.

Play with Fire (feat. Yacht Money) — Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money

Ruby was born in fire, but even before her world was burned down, she had a history of flirting with danger. The only thing that changed was it started flirting back. I kind of can’t listen to this song without picturing her just strutting out of a wall of flames.

Body Talks (feat. Kesha) — The Struts, Kesha

Speaking of struts, here’s a song to capture the side of Ruby that loves to cut loose at a party or with someone she might have her eye on.

Does this song skirt the edge of the “one song per artist” rule? Maybe, but there’s a version without Kesha if you want to be a purist that still fits fine. I just like the version with Kesha better. Sue me.

S.L.U.T. — Bea Miller

I try to avoid sexualizing Ruby, despite her previous profession. But at the same time, part of her job was looking hot, and she was good at it, and enjoyed it, and still knows how. And I think she should be free to keep enjoying that side of herself.

Monster — Beth Crowley

In her waking moments, Ruby’s powers are nothing but a boon. But in her dreams, in all the dark corners of her mind, she wonders. And she worries.

POLTERGEIST! — CORPSE, OmenXIII

One of the biggest traits I try to keep in mind when writing for Ruby is that she hates feeling powerless. More than that, whenever she does, whenever she feels afraid, her reaction is always to do something about it. Powers or no, she’s the type to bite when she’s cornered.

I consider this Ruby’s ass-kicking song. All attitude, edge, and a refusal to be pushed around, while still admitting to having seen some shit.

Dead Friends — Demi Lovato

Because Ruby really is a supporting character rather than one of the leads, there’s certain aspects of Ruby that just don’t really get a chance to be explored much. One of those is the fact that the fire gave her powers also killed a lot of people she knew, people who were her friends. And she’s still trying to unpack the fact that she made it, and they didn’t.

Shapeshifting — Taylor Acorn

Ruby’s life before and after the fire has been afflicted by the need to put on a performance and play a certain role. Whether it was her old job, or trying to keep up a facade of normalcy as her powers became increasingly harder to deal with. All of it purely for other people’s benefit, and it was exhausting.

You Don’t Know Me — Elizabeth Gillies, Victorious Cast

“You don’t even know my name.”

Learn To Let Go — Kesha

Closure and healing for a woman who has been through too much, with a song all about refusing to let the dark shit of life have power over you. I don’t think there’s a better song to end on for Ruby.

I came really close to including Met Him Last Night by Demi Lovato, but I feel like I had enough references to the devil to get the point across without it, and I really wanted Dead Friends on the playlist.

Ruby is a major supporting character in my Glintchasers novels, with the latest installment, They Split the Party, releasing June 23, 2023.