The protagonist of The Steps is Ruby Vossen, a fourteen-year-old chess whiz who finds herself enmeshed in the inbred politics and machinations of her wealthy extended family, the Vossens. Over the course of the novel, Ruby grows from distrustful and guarded to courageous, more open-hearted, and willing to risk for o…
Here’s her arc:
Who Ruby Vossen Is at the Start
- Ruby has been deeply shaken by the deaths of her mother and aunt in a car crash. That tragedy split the Vossen family apart — her father and uncle stopped speaking, while Ruby’s cousin Sterling was forbidden to see her. - She lives with her father on the grand estate owned by Grandma Vossen (Oma), under strict “Rules” that limit how she relates to Sterling, and bound by tension and suspicion involving her stepmother and stepsiblings. - Ruby is smart, self-reliant, and observant — she uses chess metaphors to navigate her relationships. But emotionally, she’s isolated, mistrustful, and believes everyone is out to use her.
What Drives Her Change
- Mystery & Danger: When Grandma’s expensive diamond ring is stolen and strange threats emerge around the estate, Ruby jumps at the chance to investigate. She suspects her stepfamily (“the Steps”) and starts to dig for what’s true — not just rumors, suspicion, or her own fears. - Connections & Trust: Ruby’s investigation pulls in other characters who show kindness or loyalty: her cousin Sterling, school chess club members like Izaan, Aunt Katrina, and even a detective (nicknamed “Nevermore”) who seems to see her. These relationships challenge her assumptions and allow her to trust and rely on others. - Breaking Rules & Taking Risks: Ruby has to step outside her father’s strict rules to protect Sterling and to confront the possibility that her stepfamily may really be corrupt or worse.
Where She Ends Up
- Ruby still carries scars — the grief, guilt, and mistrust don’t just vanish. But by the end, she’s stronger, more able to act, to voice suspicions, to protect those she cares about. She manages to salvage her friendship with Sterling, learn who to trust, and uncover truths about her family. - She recognizes that families aren’t always fair; that people can be both flawed and caring. While she doesn’t get a perfect resolution (no fairy-tale ending where every step in the Vossen clan is kind), she emerges more equipped to live with ambiguity, betrayal, and love. Her final moves are strategic and courageous — she “checks mates” the conspirators, metaphorically and literally.
Ruby’s arc is one from isolation and suspicion to connection and action: from seeing life as a chessboard with her as a pawn, to realizing she can actually make her own moves — risking vulnerability and trusting others — to protect the people she loves and uncover truth.
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