Ruth Barrow / Mare’s Mother Character Analysis in Red Queen

Mare’s mother. Ruth Barrow often must hold back tears over the fates of her husband and children. She has hope for them despite the fact that one by one, they seem to be conscripted and taken from her. She is especially brokenhearted when her son Shade is reported dead. Mare’s relationship with her mother is tortured because Ruth disapproves of theft, which is also the only way Mare knows how to help her family.

Ruth Barrow / Mare’s Mother Character Timeline in Red Queen

The timeline below shows where the character Ruth Barrow / Mare’s Mother appears in Red Queen. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...set of earrings next year upon her own conscription. Mare’s family may never be reunited. Her mother always tells her, “Don’t think about it.” (full context)

Inside, Mare’s mother cooks while fourteen-year-old Gisa embroiders. Her red hair contrasts Mare’s, which is brown at the... (full context)

...stand in silence. Mare reflects that they have both run from the house in which her mother is surely weeping over Gisa’s hand. Mare remembers remarks her father has made about the... (full context)

Mare remembers each of her brothers’ departures when they were conscripted. She remembers her mother and Gisa’s tears, and her father and her own silence. She also remembers red blood... (full context)

...family discharge. Mare can tell that her father does not believe the lottery story, but her mother does. Her mother is proud of Mare’s new fictitious job as she has never been... (full context)

Mare’s mother begins to cry. Mare thinks it is because she is worried Mare will leave again,... (full context)

...He looks angry and wants to know if Mare is one of the Silvers now. Mare’s mother comes to her defense, saying that Mare is her daughter. Mare offers to cut herself... (full context)

Mare’s mother thinks the turn of events is a miracle for the family and that Mare will... (full context)