# Reuben — Wet Magic character guide

> Reuben in Wet Magic by E. Nesbit.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0001-wet-magic

## Snapshot

A runaway boy from a gypsy camp who trades his spangled costume for a girl's dress and joins the children on their plunge into the sea.

## Who they are

Reuben has cut his lucky from the tents and is hiding in bushes with no plan beyond running from rather than toward anything. Practical and a little hardened, he knows caves and hiding places the sheltered siblings never would, and he is the one who suggests where the magic words should be spoken. Disguised in borrowed skirts, he becomes the adventure's most unlikely and most resourceful recruit.

## Relationships

### [Maia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/characters/maia)

_friendship_

Maia and Reuben are friends or companions, with a warm and supportive bond.

### [Maia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/characters/maia)

_friendship_

Maia and Reuben are friends or companions, with a warm and supportive bond.

### [Maia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/characters/maia)

_friendship_

Maia and Reuben are friends or companions, with a warm and supportive bond.

## In the story

### [Consequences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/chapters/v-consequences)

Leaves a note in the barrow asking the children to come back at dead of night; referred to as 'Rube' in the note.

### [VII: The Skies Are Falling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/chapters/vii-the-skies-are-falling)

Speaks with a Cockney accent, volunteers to take his chance with the Boy Scouts, and is sent to the Sea Urchins' barracks.

### [VIII: The Water-War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/chapters/viii-the-water-war)

Now a Sea Urchin general (General Echinus), he provides crucial intelligence about the enemy's attack and suggests tactical maneuvers.

### [The Book People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/chapters/ix-the-book-people)

Praised by Princess Freia for his intelligence; commands the Sea Urchins in seaweed disguises.

### [The End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/chapters/xii-the-end)

Drinks from the cup of forgetfulness, removes his disguise, and reunites with his long-lost parents; later visits the children with his parents.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/characters/reuben
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/wet_magic_se/characters