*Toby Fox’s* *Deltarune*, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed *Undertale*, features a cast of characters that each bring something unique to the table. Among them is Susie, a tough, rebellious girl who starts off as an antagonist but gradually becomes one of the game’s most complex and beloved characters. Susie’s character arc is a journey of growth, empathy, and self-discovery, and an often-overlooked element of her design — her beads — plays a significant role in this transformation. The beads, which appear prominently in Susie’s design, serve as a subtle yet meaningful symbol of her character’s development and emotional journey throughout the game. In this article, we will explore the significance of Susie’s beads in *Deltarune*, looking at how they contribute to her character design, her emotional arc, and the overall themes of the game.
### Who is Susie in *Deltarune*?
Before diving into the meaning behind Susie’s beads, it’s important to understand who Susie is within the context of *Deltarune*. When the game begins, Susie is introduced as a fearsome and intimidating character. She is a schoolmate of Kris, the protagonist, and is initially presented as a bully, disrupting the peaceful nature of the world and causing trouble for others. In the early parts of the game, Susie’s behavior is brash, violent, and selfish — a character you wouldn’t expect to form meaningful relationships with the other characters.
However, as the story unfolds, Susie’s role changes. She is forced to team up with Kris and Ralsei, a kind-hearted character who helps Kris navigate the strange world they’ve been transported to. Over time, Susie becomes more involved in the group’s mission and begins to show signs of empathy, cooperation, and vulnerability. Her development throughout the game mirrors a classic narrative of personal growth — shedding her tough exterior to reveal a more caring and nuanced individual.
As her personality evolves, so does the visual representation of her character. One of the most interesting aspects of Susie’s design is the beads she wears around her neck. These seemingly simple accessories play an essential role in understanding the deeper layers of her character.
### The Beads: Symbolizing Rebellion and Toughness
When we first encounter Susie in *Deltarune*, she is the embodiment of rebellion. She acts as a counterbalance to Kris, who is quiet and reserved, and Ralsei, who is sweet and caring. Susie is loud, brash, and unafraid to assert her dominance. Her aggressive nature and her desire to keep others at arm’s length fit perfectly with the image of someone who is emotionally guarded and unwilling to show vulnerability.
The beads Susie wears on her neck, with their bold and unpolished look, complement her tough exterior. They are not refined or delicate, but rather a straightforward, utilitarian choice of accessory. In many ways, they symbolize Susie’s unwillingness to be anything other than tough. She is a character who keeps her guard up, and the beads serve as a reminder of her emotional distance from others — she’s not trying to look delicate or approachable. The beads are simple, but they are an essential part of her rebellious appearance, representing her resistance to conforming to expectations or norms.
### The Beads as a Reflection of Susie’s Growth
As the game progresses and Susie becomes more involved in the group’s mission, her character begins to change. Through her interactions with Kris, Ralsei, and the inhabitants of the Dark World, Susie learns the value of friendship, cooperation, and empathy. Her transformation is gradual, but it is clear that she is opening up and becoming more willing to connect with others, moving away from her isolated and antagonistic mindset.
The beads are not merely a static accessory; they reflect Susie’s emotional journey. While they remain with her throughout the game, the way in which they are presented — and the way she interacts with them — changes subtly as she evolves. Initially, the beads may be associated with her tough exterior and emotional walls, but as she grows, they also come to represent her ability to embrace her vulnerabilities. The beads are not discarded or hidden; instead, they remain a symbol of her journey, a reminder of her past that she can no longer ignore, but also something that she’s able to carry with her as she learns to be more open and caring.
This growth is visually apparent in many of Susie’s interactions, particularly with Ralsei. Her initially dismissive and rude attitude gradually shifts to one of support and kindness, reflecting the softer side of her personality that is emerging. The beads, as part of her design, are integral in this process. While they may have initially symbolized her defensive nature, they now serve as a visual reminder that she is learning to embrace who she truly is, flaws and all.
### The Beads as a Marker of Identity
One of the most intriguing aspects of Susie’s beads is that they remain a constant part of her throughout her journey. Unlike other elements of her design — such as her posture, facial expressions, or attitude — the beads are one of the few visual aspects that do not change. This consistency highlights the fact that, despite her transformation, Susie’s core identity remains the same. She is still Susie, with her own quirks, desires, and complexities.
In the context of *Deltarune*, identity is an essential theme, and the beads symbolize this continuity. They are a visual anchor that ties Susie’s past to her present. While she may evolve over time, the beads remind players of where she started and what she has overcome. They are a symbol of her strength, both physical and emotional, and a marker of her personal journey from isolation to connection.
### The Beads and Relationships with Other Characters
While Susie’s beads are primarily linked to her personal development, they also carry significance in relation to the other characters. The transformation in Susie’s character — especially her deepening bond with Kris and Ralsei — is reflected in the way her beads are perceived. At the beginning of the game, the beads may be seen as part of Susie’s rebellion, but as she opens up to Kris and Ralsei, they come to represent her growing emotional depth and her ability to connect with others.
The beads serve as a subtle visual marker of the progress she makes in her relationships. As Susie begins to soften and let down her guard, the beads serve as a reminder that, no matter how far she comes, the connections she’s forming with others are grounded in her authenticity. The beads are part of her identity, just as her relationships are integral to who she is becoming.
### Conclusion
In *Deltarune*, Susie’s beads are more than just an accessory — they are a symbolic representation of her emotional growth, her evolving identity, and her relationships with others. From their initial association with rebellion and toughness to their transformation into a marker of her vulnerability and connections, the beads are a subtle yet powerful element of her character design. Through the beads, Toby Fox is able to communicate Susie’s journey of self-discovery, showing that, while her external appearance may change, the essence of who she is remains constant. As Susie continues to grow, the beads remain a reminder of her roots, her struggles, and her eventual path toward becoming a more open and empathetic individual.