Top 10 Best Steven Universe Characters

Steven Universe's heart and soul lie in its amazing characters. From the lovable misfits to the badass warriors, each one has their own personality, growth, and unforgettable moments. But let's be real, some characters just stand out more than others, right?

Maybe you've got a soft spot for a certain gem who had an incredible character arc, or maybe there's someone who's always had your heart from the start. Either way, this list is all about celebrating the characters who made Steven Universe the show we all love.

The Top Ten

Peridot

Peridot is a character from the show Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. The series airs on Cartoon Network and has gained popularity over the years. Peridot is an alien gem from the planet called Homeworld.
She is introduced in the episode "Marble Madness," where Steven and the Crystal... read more

Peridot is great because of all her quirks. Relatable ones, too, since, admit it or not, most of us fans are insecure and awkward with next to no physical capabilities, hiding behind some kind of blanket. We can be rude, inconsiderate, completely heartless, and moronic. With most characters, their apologizing and making up for their mistakes are brushed over or skipped. This has always been a big annoyance for me.
But Peridot, on the other hand, is explored thoroughly. Almost everything she has gone through is relatable. And we can't say that she's without flaw. She has tons. The best thing is that she tells us that no, it's not okay, and yes, you have to make up for it. No, you can't expect it to just blow over. More importantly, yes, you will still be loved. As was proven by her place at the top of the poll!
Pearl

Pearl is a fictional character from the 2013 animated television series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. She is a "Gem," a type of alien being composed of a magical gemstone that projects a humanoid form. Pearl is depicted as nurturing, gentle, and protective, acting as a maternal figure to... read more

I heard "It's Over, Isn't It?" before watching the show, so I was already interested in this character prior to viewing. I think it's fair to say she is the reason I gave this show a chance, and I'm so glad I did.
Pearl ended up being a much richer character than I anticipated, and I was expecting complexity to begin with. Her development throughout the series is really something beautiful to watch, particularly her friendship with Greg.
It may be my bias talking, but apart from Steven himself, I really do think Pearl is the most important character in the show. The story just doesn't work without her. But it's her personality that truly wins me over. I think she's amazing.
Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a character from the 2013 animated television series Steven Universe, which aired on Cartoon Network. She is a Gem from the Gem Homeworld who was trapped inside a magical mirror for thousands of years before being freed by Steven Universe. Lapis possesses hydrokinesis, which allows her... read more

Lapis is my favorite gem, next to Garnet and Steven (and Stevonnie if she counts). Her character is so interesting. She has a mysterious background, and in the mirror, we saw a side of her we didn't get to see when she was out. In the mirror, she seemed to like Steven (for his innocence and human nature, I assume) and liked to see him laugh. You could just tell that she wasn't evil. She just wanted a friend, company. She seemed like a playful character.
The only reason Lapis attacked the gems is because they imprisoned her, and she was clearly confused, angry, and hurt. She seems to still care for Steven, and I hope she does find her peace at some point in the show because she seriously couldn't have had a worse awakening into the world. I hope she gets her redemption and happiness.
Garnet

Garnet is a fictional character from the 2013 animated series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. She is the fused form of Ruby and Sapphire.
Garnet, along with the other Crystal Gems, deeply cares for Steven and looks after him. She serves as a mother figure to him.... read more

Although one may argue that Garnet is just "another character" in the series Steven Universe, I believe that she is more than that. She is just like all of us, even though we may not realize it. Garnet chooses to use a monotonous voice to hide any possible emotions. Garnet has dealt with pain and suffering for a while, and she decided not to show herself until it was necessary.
Throughout the series, Garnet expresses herself through saving the universe, teaching Steven, and conversing with various characters. These aspects show a lot of Garnet's emotions, but only if one can see that.
We learn that Garnet is funny, pretty smart, and, to some, quite attractive. These details lead me to believe that Garnet is one of the greatest fictional characters out there in the animated world.
Amethyst

Amethyst is a fictional character from Cartoon Network's 2013 animated series "Steven Universe." She is a Quartz Gem and a member of the Crystal Gems, where she is considered the youngest after Steven Universe. Amethyst is voiced by Michaela Dietz and is known for her playful and rebellious personality... read more

Everyone loves Garnet and Pearl much more than they love Amethyst. When you think of a Crystal Gem, you probably think of Pearl, Garnet, or Steven. Nobody really remembers Amethyst. Most people dismiss her as the comic relief character or the silly one of the group. This causes her to be really underrated.
I like Amethyst. She's probably one of the most relatable characters on the show. She's insecure and often gets angry for no apparent reason due to this insecurity. She wants to feel strong and equal to her teammates, but sometimes she knows and feels like she's the weakest.
There are lots of us who have moments of insecurity where we feel bad about ourselves and hate ourselves. Despite this, Amethyst still manages to be the life of the party and a fun character while actually having a personality.
Steven Universe

As much as I wanted to vote for Pearl or Garnet, I had to vote for Steven. He is the heart of the show, and not just because he is the main character. He drives the rest of the Gems to do what they do. If it weren't for him, the other characters would have given up.
He has also developed a lot in maturity. People seem to think that because he cries a lot, it means he is whiny and immature. However, this is just a reflection of how passionate and empathetic this character is.
He is a character who manages to mature and learn as the series continues, while also staying encouraging and never giving up on his empathy for everyone else, no matter what they do to him. Steven is who people would want to strive to be, and he's only a kid. I feel like he's the most fleshed out and developed character in the show, and I have to commend him for that.
Connie Maheswaran

Connie is AMAZING. She's beautiful, smart, and strong-willed. I love the episodes with her in them!
I love Connie's relationship with Steven and Pearl, but I wish she would interact with other characters too.

Connie is my favorite character in this whole series. She is always there for Steven and her friends, and every episode she is in is super fun to watch.
She is my favorite character in the series, with Steven in second place.

She is always there for Steven and is my favorite human character. She has a lot of personality, especially during Steven Universe Future.
Greg Universe

Greg Universe is a character from the animated series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. He is the father of the show's main character, Steven Universe. Greg is a human who lives in a van in Beach City, a small boardwalk town.... read more

Greg bounced back from Rose Quartz's "death" with an optimistic attitude. Even as he ages and starts to bald, he still manages to love his son and not pin the blame onto him like others did. He loves his son and is proud of Steven for all he goes through.
He has an estranged relationship with Steven, due to Steven being more often than not hanging out with the Crystal Gems, who blamed the death of Rose on him. Even though he suffers these psychological problems, he wakes up every morning in his van with a beaming smile.

The most supportive father ever. He's always there for his son, and you can tell how much he strives to be a good father for Steven.
In addition, he cared for Rose so much and loved her. He is more than the "silly dad" character that most may peg him as at first.
Sapphire

Sapphire is a character from the animated series Steven Universe, created by Rebecca Sugar. She is a blue-skinned Gem from the alien planet Homeworld, known for her long hair, flowing dress, and single visible eye. Sapphire possesses several abilities, including future vision, levitation, ice manipulation... read more

She's so serene, graceful, and classy. She saw Ruby for who she was individually, rather than seeing her as 'just another ruby' as so many other Gems did, and treated her with respect despite Ruby having a 'lower rank' than her.
The way Sapphire fell in love with Ruby was so adorable. The two of them really improve each other because they're opposites and present one another with different views of the world.
I also admire the way that even though she was treated very well before the first time she fused with Ruby, she didn't allow it to turn her into a snob, which would've been very easy to do. She always remained gracious and polite.
Another reason I love Sapphire is that she's very unique, with her abilities of seeing into the future. Plus, her design is gorgeous.
Lion

Lion is just a really fun character to see in an episode. The way that he hides things and ignores Steven just to tell him something is hilarious!

I love Lion. He's so adorable, and he can make portals. He was Rose's, and Rose is amazing, and I love her.
Who doesn't want a lion that can make portals?

It's a giant pink wild cat sitting in a box and looking at you with his innocent eyes. What's not to love?

The Newcomers

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Superfan Rose Quartz
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Hippie Rose Quartz

The Contenders

Ruby

If I compare myself to Ruby and Sapphire when I get into a big fight with my best friend, I would be in the middle of Ruby and Sapphire. I wouldn't be as mad as Ruby, but I wouldn't be as calm as Sapphire.

I feel like Ruby is just so cute and cares so much about Sapphire that she has to be my favorite. She seems to have one of the biggest hearts on the show, and I love her to pieces.

Ruby is one of the most relatable characters, besides the fact she can actually get a girlfriend. She has a bad temper, which I believe most of us have.
Plus, when she sees Sapphire upset, she gets so sad, and it's adorable.
Spinel

I love Spinel so much! She is really funny, and her personality is just great in general. Her backstory is really sad, and Drift Away brought me to tears.
Yeah, she shouldn't have taken her anger out on Steven and the others, but she felt so hurt and sad because Pink Diamond literally told her to stand still, then left and never came back. I believe Spinel deserved so much more. She is definitely my favorite character!

Spinel was such an interesting character. At the beginning of the movie, she seemed extremely dangerous and very mean, but in the end, she just wanted a friend.
I love how her art style stands out from other characters since she is drawn in a rubber-hose style. Spinel has to be my favorite gem of all time because of her backstory and adorable personality.
Jasper

My love for Jasper comes from a place of sympathy. No one really takes the time to ask her why she does the things she does. The first time they kind of did in the show, she was already half corrupted! She didn't ask to be held prisoner by Lapis at the bottom of the ocean, and fusion has clearly taken a huge toll on her mental health. She has to deal with it all on her own.
People consider her the main bad guy of the show right now, and that's true to an extent. But she's just going above and beyond, doing her job for a boss she doesn't even want to be working for! She should really get a good promotion for everything she's put up with.
Not only all that, but her character design is flawless! Her body type, facial expression, and skin texture match jaspers perfectly, and her corruption design looked so much like an ocean jasper I was literally screaming at my TV.
I personally think Jasper is the best example of a woman who is physically strong and isn't traditionally beautiful but still shows off her femininity in her facial features and body language. She's literally the perfect Quartz!
Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz will always remain a mystery. The Crystal Gems don't say much about her, and she is rarely referenced. She is the reason there are theories about the show, and she gives the show a more thought-provoking and mysterious side.
She was first described as a saint but is now described as someone who will do what's best for the Earth. She gives the show reason, and all of the show's theories revolve around her.
Though one person commented, "I want Rose to return. She's my favorite, and she's not dead! Confirmed by the creator of the show." If Rose Quartz were to return, the show would lose all of its mystery. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm being rude.
But hey, check out my website and don't abuse the comment section.
Opal

Even though she was only seen once or twice in the show, there are so many things to like about her, like her bravery and charm.

I ship Opal and Stevonnie. They need to kiss. They would be a cute couple.

Opal's so cool. Her voice is pretty, but she reminds me of Garnet.
Bismuth

Bismuth is the best Crystal Gem. She should be number 1. She is as strong as Garnet, can make her hands into anything, and is a master blacksmith who can make any weapon.
She doesn't really fear anything but still has a lot of character development.

Bismuth is such a supportive person and takes care of her own life instead of helping others 24/7.

So far, we've only seen her briefly in Same Old World, but judging by the preview of Bismuth's return, she'll be a fan favorite in no time!
Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond is a character in the animated television series Steven Universe, which aired on Cartoon Network from 2013 to 2019. She is one of the leaders of the Gem race and is portrayed as a powerful and emotional figure. Blue Diamond plays a significant role in the series' storyline and character... read more

I wasn't originally going to place Blue on here, but her kind and empathetic feelings made me include her in my top 10.
If it wasn't for her power to empathize, Steven and Connie would still be trapped in that tower.

She just shows the most emotion, and I love her character. The way she acts about Pink shows a new side to the Diamonds that the others don't show.

Blue Diamond is so beautiful and amazing! I love her so much. I was so happy when I saw her face for the first time! LOVE HER!
Sadie Miller

Sadie Miller is a recurring character in Steven Universe. She is a barista who works at a donut shop with her co-worker and former boyfriend Lars. Their relationship was complicated, and they eventually broke up due to their different interests.... read more

I wish Sadie got more love from the fandom. Sadie and Lars were the first characters Rebecca Sugar ever came up with for the show, so to see them not getting the credit they deserve from the fandom is a bummer.
I actually enjoy the episodes with Sadie in them the most! She's my favorite character, and she's so adorable.

Sadie was one of the first characters to appear in the first episode. Sadly, people show hate toward this character.

She's really sweet. A fact is that Sadie was Rebecca Sugar's first character she ever made. That proves Sadie is the best.
Lars Barriga

I really wish Lars was higher, and I think the only reason he's low is because almost no one has seen Season 5. He's really shown us that he deserves a higher rating because he's proven himself to us by literally DYING for, like, 5 minutes to protect people he hasn't even known for as long as he was dead for.
Keep in mind this is his first ever selfless action for his whole life. Even when he was still a jerk, he was only insecure, and he should have gotten a better press. I love pretty much all of the characters, but Lars takes the cake after he died then came back to life all Lion mode.

Lars is awesome. I loved him straight from the beginning because I knew there must have been a reason for him to be so cruel. Lars just cares about his view to others and uses a mean personality to cover up his insecurity.
He's jealous of Steven because everyone immediately loves Steven and he doesn't even have to try, but Lars wants to be like Steven and fit in, but he can't. Overall, Lars is a greatly developed character, and I don't understand why he isn't at least number 10.
Yellow Diamond

That song was amazing! I love her cold, calculating outlook. It fits her well. When she does let some emotion out, it's very powerful. I also love her sharp design.

Yellow Diamond is one of those characters that you love, but you don't know why you love them. It's just her song and her style. She's awesome!

Yellow Diamond certainly isn't my favorite because of how little she cared about the precious Peridorito, but that face she made was hysterical.
I just had to make it my screensaver.
Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a fusion gem in the Steven Universe animated series created by Cartoon Network. She is the result of a fusion between Garnet, who is herself a fusion of Ruby and Sapphire, and Pearl. Sardonyx makes her first appearance in the episode Coach Steven and is known for her showmanship and strength... read more

I'll be honest. Sardonyx is cool, but she is just a constant reminder of my worst fear: PEARLNET. So, I don't like her for that.
AND she made fun of my second favorite, Amethyst. She is a show-off and the opposite of my third favorite fusion, Sugilite. But her powers are cool, and she is funny. She just doesn't have to be so overzealous.

"You'll have to excuse me, I haven't exactly been myself lately." That joke alone was enough to make her one of my favorite fusions, second only to Garnet.
Plus, she has one of my favorite weapons.
Stevonnie

Stevonnie is a fictional character from the 2013 animated series Steven Universe. They are a human/gem hybrid fusion of Steven Universe and Connie Maheswaran.

Stevonnie is so fun. She reminds me of how awesome being alive is. She seems to have no problems with life. And she looks like me...
Even though Stevonnie got a little freaked out while she was dancing, I blame EVERYTHING ON KEVIN!
But Stevonnie is just a first fusion. By that, I mean that she is the first fusion who was made by combining a human and half human. She doesn't know everything about her. She is just AN EXPERIENCE!

Stevonnie is really cool. She/he has a nice character design and is a fusion involving a half gem and a human! Greg couldn't even fuse with Rose. But that's okay.
Onion

Onion might not say much, but he sure is one creepy yet hilarious little kleptomaniac. He only acts out because his father is always out at sea.
He's one of those background characters I feel really sorry for.

Everyone knows Onion is an onion secretly. I like onions because they remind me of ogres! He gives me those Shrek vibes.

Because Onion is so cute and the way he talks! Giving Steven the best Gal toy was so nice!
Blue Pearl

I've always been more like Blue Pearl personality-wise, but when I was younger, she was my least favorite of the Pearls. Now, I appreciate her a lot more and see myself a lot in her, though I'm not as interested in drawing as she is.

I think this character is one of my favorites in this show. I know it's odd since she was only on the screen for like 10 seconds, but I really love her! There is some great fanfiction about her that has shaped my idea of what she would be like, and I love the design. I hope she appears in a later episode.
Malachite

Malachite is amazing just as she is. Her personality and character development have evolved since we first saw her in the show.
Later, she becomes a significant figure for Lapis Lazuli. Her looks are fitting for a fusion between Lapis and Jasper. Overall, this monster is my favorite of them all.

Malachite is super cute. Everyone thinks she's a monster, but I think she's absolutely gorgeous.

Malachite is unstable, but I want Jasper to join the Crystal Gems and be renewed. She should accept that Pink Diamond is shattered and that Rose Quartz is Steven now.
Lapis and Jasper could maybe form Malachite again sometime. That would be amazing.