Top 10 Steven Universe Characters

As founder of the Crystal Gems, Rose Quartz acts as a beacon of hope and independence. This natural leader played a key role in the Gem War, protecting Earth from the oppressive Gem Homeworld. In addition to being a resilient warrior, Rose also stood out as a wise and compassionate soul. After entering a relationship with a human named Greg Universe, she became pregnant with the show’s titular hero. In order to give birth, Rose had to sacrifice her physical form. Yet, her optimism, courage, and gemstone continue to live on in Steven. While we’ve learned much about Rose through flashbacks over the years, she’s still something of an enigma. That’s part of what makes her such a fascinating figure, though.

Even if you’re not a cat person, nobody can deny that having a pet lion would be pretty awesome, especially if it had fur like cotton candy. Fluffy, cuddly, and draped in pink, this magical feline forms an immediate bond with Steven. Most of the time, Lion maintains a laidback personality and does as he pleases. Whenever Steven finds himself in a tight spot, though, he’ll rise to the occasion like a guardian angel. With the ability to walk on water and create portals, this wild animal is full of surprises. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that he has an unexpected connection to Steven’s mother, leading to one of the most touching moments in the entire series.

A rocker turned carwash owner, Greg Universe might look like a deadbeat loser, but behind his sunburnt skin and mullet, he’s a truly caring, dedicated, and honest human being. That’s why Rose fell in love with him. Although Greg doesn’t live with Steven, he’s still an active, attentive father who’s always there for his son. With an upbeat personality and modest lifestyle, Greg can find happiness whether he’s stone-broke or filthy rich. Above all else, he teaches Steven to see the silver lining in everything and everyone. After all, if every pork chop were perfect, we wouldn't have hot dogs.

When we first meet Connie, she’s just a shy, ordinary girl with her nose stuck in a book. Where most people overlook this 12¾-year-old, Steven can see that there’s more to her than meets the eye. Thus marks the beginning of an adorable friendship that just might blossom into a romance someday. Connie has certainly come out of her shell since then, gaining the confidence to become a master swordfighter. Strong, intelligent, and loyal, she’ll gladly fight alongside her best friend to the very end. Connie also joins Steven in his first Fusion Dance, coming together to form Stevonnie.

After breaking free from a magic mirror, Lapis Lazuli emerges as a bitter enemy who threatens the Crystal Gems. Upon seeing the kindness in Steven’s heart, however, she begins a journey of self-discovery. Through sacrifice, forgiveness, and bravery, this watery Gem is finally given a fresh start on Earth. While Lapis has turned over a new leaf, the wounds of her past are still healing. To an extent, she parallels many real life individuals that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, making her one of the most complex and tragic characters in the series. Nevertheless, Lapis ultimately acts as an inspirational figure that reminds us it's never too late to take control of your life.

Of all the characters, Peridot has arguably gone through the most significant changes. Thinking with a logical mindset, this Homeworld Gem initially has little empathy for life. As Peridot spends more time on Earth, though, she comes to see the error of her ways and switches sides. As a Crystal Gem, she brings her engineering skills and mental powers to the table, saving the day on more than one occasion. While she still doesn’t have the best social skills, Peridot does make a genuine effort to be a more considerate, patient, and open-minded individual. Along the way, she steals some of the show’s best one-liners. If you don’t like her, well… we guess you’re just a clod!

Stepping up as a team leader after Rose’s departure, Garnet is usually the most collected and levelheaded Crystal Gem. This is largely because she’s a fusion of two Gems that simply complete each other: Ruby and Sapphire. These two are polar opposites in many respects, as Ruby is impulsive and passionate where Sapphire is calm and quiet. They ultimately balance one another out, however, making Garnet an all-around amazing Gem. Despite possessing future vision, Garnet doesn’t always have the right answers. Every once and a while, she’ll have a hard time keeping it together. Whenever she starts to lose control, though, Garnet’s loved ones motivate her to fight another day.

Created at a Kindergarten facility on Earth, Amethyst is taken in by Crystal Gems. Although she’s thought to be thousands of years old, Amethyst is eternally youthful at heart. Goofing off is in her nature and she often brings Steven down to her level. Despite being playful, immature, and carefree, she isn’t without her inner demons. Insecure about her height and strength, Amethyst secretly fears that she’ll never be able to compete with other Gems. Whenever her self-esteem is low, she becomes driven to prove herself. Amethyst soon learns, however, that there’s no shame in asking others for help. With the love and support of her friends, she can do just about anything… except maybe clean her room.

Precise, graceful, and gifted in the art of swordplay, Pearl is like a ballerina crossed with a samurai. Of all the Crystal Gems, she’s easily the most overprotective towards our protagonist. This largely stems from her feelings for Steven’s mother. Pearl loved Rose Quartz with all her heart, but never got the happy ending she wanted. Underneath her warm, nurturing exterior, Pearl is overcome with jealousy, grief, and loneliness. Although she has trouble letting go of the past, Pearl eventually finds that she needs to forgive and move on. She continues to honor Rose’s memory by defending Earth and looking after Steven as if he were her own child.





Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:



Jasper



Sadie





Lars

Loving, understanding, and full of good cheer, Steven encompasses the best humanity has to offer, but that doesn’t mean he’s without fault. Steven can be naïve and overeager, which sometimes lands him in trouble. Then again, nobody’s perfect. What’s important is that Steven learns from his mistakes so he can be the best possible version of himself. He’s constantly growing as both a human and Gem, picking up important life lessons around every corner. At the same time, Steven encourages those around him to live in harmony and peace. No matter what happens, he’ll always try to save the day in his own unique way. In a universe full of colorful characters, Steven is truly one of a kind.



Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite “Steven Universe” character? For more entertaining Top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.