At the Back of the North Wind · Character
Ruby
A proud, ailing boy Diamond meets in the hospital, whose temper and illness test the patience that Diamond seems to have in endless supply.
supporting
Also known as XXIX Ruby
First appearance: xxix ruby
As a supporting figure in At the Back of the North Wind, Ruby is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Arrives and brings ill luck; falls lame for a month; is a constant weight on Joseph's mind.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Ruby is sick and cross, and he does not want to be pitied or managed, which makes him a difficult companion for anyone who tries to be kind to him. Diamond's quiet persistence wears down his defenses, and the two boys…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Ruby sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Ruby in xxix rubyCharacter Web
10 connectionsA slice of how Ruby sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Friendship
- Other
Character groups
- Diamond's social circle
- Protagonist
+5 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Diamond’s i…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Diamond
friendship · positive
Ruby is a fellow child and friend of Diamond, with whom he shares playful and innocent… How this plays out →
- Diamond
friendship · positive
Ruby is a fellow child and friend of Diamond, with whom he shares playful and innocent… How this plays out →
- Diamond
friendship · positive
Ruby is a fellow child and friend of Diamond, with whom he shares playful and innocent… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Ruby in xxix rubyIn the story
Ruby appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Ruby unlock in the free preview.
See Ruby in xxix ruby