In *Deltarune*, the story revolves around Kris, Ralsei, and Susie as they navigate the mysterious Dark World, overcoming challenges and forming new bonds. While *Deltarune* is filled with complex storytelling and intricate characters, one element that often goes unnoticed yet serves as a significant part of Susie’s character development is the beads she wears. The beads are a subtle but powerful design choice by creator Toby Fox that reflects Susie’s transformation throughout the game. They symbolize more than just her personal style—they embody her growth, emotional journey, and the relationships she builds with other characters.
### Who is Susie?
Susie, one of the main characters in *Deltarune*, is initially introduced as a tough and rebellious figure. When she first appears, her rough, aggressive nature and dislike of authority make her seem like a typical “bad girl” archetype. She’s rough around the edges, an outsider, and initially, she isn’t a fan of teamwork or cooperation. Instead, Susie wants to assert control over her environment, showing little interest in forging friendships.
However, as the story progresses and Susie is thrust into situations that force her to work alongside Kris and Ralsei, her character begins to change. *Deltarune* shows Susie’s growth from a standoffish, aggressive character into a more understanding, cooperative, and caring individual. Her evolving relationships with Kris, Ralsei, and the other characters provide the emotional core of her arc. Susie’s development is not just about learning to work with others; it’s about learning to be vulnerable and finding strength in kindness.
### The Beads: Symbol of Rebellion and Defiance
At the beginning of the game, Susie’s appearance reflects her tough, defiant nature. One of the most striking aspects of her design is the collection of beads she wears around her neck. These beads are simple, yet they stand out as a defining feature of her character. They are unpolished, bold, and noticeable—much like Susie herself.
When first introduced, the beads seem to reflect Susie’s emotional walls. She wears them as part of her external defense mechanism, her “armor,” which keeps others at a distance. Just as Susie’s behavior is sharp, combative, and emotionally distant, the beads give off a sense of being worn by someone who is reluctant to show vulnerability or softness. They match her rebellious attitude and provide a visual cue to her struggle with her emotions.
In *Deltarune*, many characters wear accessories or have design elements that help communicate who they are. For Susie, the beads are an immediate representation of her persona. They are loud, unrefined, and bold—just like the defiant version of herself that we first meet. Susie isn’t looking to blend in; she’s not trying to be delicate or feminine. She’s focused on survival, asserting dominance, and keeping the world at bay.
### The Beads as a Symbol of Transformation
As Susie’s character evolves throughout the game, so too does the meaning behind the beads. Initially, they symbolize resistance, defiance, and emotional armor, but as Susie grows and begins to soften, the beads take on new meaning.
Throughout *Deltarune*, Susie gradually opens up to Kris and Ralsei. She learns that being kind, cooperative, and vulnerable doesn’t make her weak—it makes her stronger. As she becomes more empathetic and begins to understand the value of her relationships, the beads transform in their symbolic meaning. They become markers of her personal growth.
While they are still part of her outfit and her visual identity, the beads are no longer just about keeping people at a distance. They become a symbol of Susie’s evolution. As she learns to trust others, especially Kris and Ralsei, the beads shift in meaning from a guard against emotional connection to a reminder of how far she’s come. They serve as a lasting visual cue that Susie’s exterior toughness is only part of who she is. The beads represent both her past and her present—the tough persona she once wore and the more emotionally open and compassionate person she is becoming.
### Emotional Growth and Relationships
One of the key elements of Susie’s arc is her relationships with Kris and Ralsei. Through her interactions with them, Susie gradually learns about friendship, compassion, and teamwork. Where she once acted as an antagonist, she becomes a full-fledged member of the team, contributing in crucial ways during the adventure. The beads, as part of Susie’s design, subtly reflect the changes in her relationships.
When she begins to connect with others, particularly Ralsei, Susie starts showing moments of vulnerability, something she initially resisted. She is no longer solely defined by her rough exterior. As she opens up to the people around her, the beads become less about rebellion and more about identity—representing a balance between strength and emotional openness.
The beads also carry significance in terms of Susie’s relationship with Kris. While Susie initially acts as a foil to Kris, the two eventually develop a unique and supportive bond. The beads, as part of her character design, act as a silent witness to this relationship—symbolizing Susie’s trust in Kris and her willingness to put down her emotional guard.
### The Beads and Susie’s Identity
In *Deltarune*, identity is a core theme, particularly the idea that personal growth doesn’t require completely abandoning who you were. Susie’s beads play an essential role in this. Throughout the game, the beads remain a constant element of her design, serving as a reminder of who she was, even as she grows and changes.
Unlike many other characters whose visual designs evolve or change dramatically, Susie’s beads remain a fixture throughout the story. This continuity reflects the idea that personal growth doesn’t mean erasing the past—it means integrating past experiences into who you are becoming. The beads are symbolic of Susie’s acceptance of both her tough, independent nature and her newfound ability to form deep, meaningful relationships.
In this way, the beads are a visual marker of Susie’s internal transformation. While they may have once represented her desire to keep others at arm’s length, they now represent her willingness to embrace her flaws and open herself up to the world. The beads are not just an accessory—they are a part of Susie’s identity, both the parts she is learning to accept and the parts she is beginning to leave behind.
### Conclusion
In *Deltarune*, Susie’s beads are more than just a design choice. They are a key symbol of her character arc and emotional journey. They reflect her initial defiance and resistance to vulnerability, but as she grows and begins to trust the people around her, they come to symbolize her personal evolution. Through her relationships with Kris and Ralsei, Susie learns that showing kindness and emotional openness doesn’t make her weaker—it makes her stronger. The beads are a visual representation of that growth, a constant element of her design that serves as a reminder of both where she came from and who she is becoming. Ultimately, Susie’s beads are a symbol of the balance between strength and vulnerability, a core theme in *Deltarune*’s exploration of character development and identity.