Ruby Character Analysis

The third person Eddie meets in heaven, the woman for whom the first version of Ruby Pier was named. She is graceful, competent, and smart. Like the other women in the novel, she dedicates herself to caring for others: her husband Emile, her children, and in heaven, the souls of all the people hurt at Ruby Pier. Born years before Eddie, Ruby was the prettiest daughter in a working-class family. She was a young waitress at a diner by the ocean, where she became engaged to the rich Emile. Emile gave Ruby an extravagant life, and built Ruby Pier in dedication to her. After a fire destroyed the park and their wealth, they led a difficult life. Ruby’s husband was later hospitalized in the same room as Eddie’s dying father, allowing Ruby to witness Eddie’s father’s dying words of regret. In heaven, Ruby tells Eddie the true story of how his father died saving Mickey, and teaches him the lesson of forgiveness.