Ruth started off as one of those more hated characters in Snowpiercer. She quickly became the most beloved.
At the start of the series, she was a Wilfordite. It’s the term given for those loyal to Wilford. Of course, at the time, she had no idea who Wilford really was and the fact that he wasn’t even on the train. As she learned more about the man, especially once he came to the train, she realized that everything she thought about him was a lie.
Ruth’s loyalty was to the people of Snowpiercer at the heart of her character. That’s the way it has remained. She’s been at the front of rebellions, and now she is the one the people of New Eden chose to lead them, and she isn’t letting them down.
Ruth was right to stop Layton in Snowpiercer Season 2, Episode 3
From the beginning, Layton has been a bit of a bully to get his own way. It’s become more and more of a problem as he gained more power, and we saw him view the people of New Eden as nobodies in the most recent episode.
It’s understandable that he wants his daughter back. What father wouldn’t? The problem is the way he’s going about it. He wants to take Big Alice to find Snowpiercer, not even knowing if Liana is even there.
Ruth is able to look at this more objectively, and she’s able to look at it while caring for the 400+ souls in New Eden. All she wants is for this world to survive, and that isn’t going to happen if Layton gets his way.
Ruth leaving with Layton was a smart move at the end of the Snowpiercer episode
In the end, Ruth listens to Roche. She decides to put it all to a vote, allowing Layton to explain his motivation. She evens puts all the facts out to the people, making it clear that there is a chance of survival for three weeks but it will be tough. If Big Alice doesn’t return, New Eden will fail and everyone will freeze.
When the people vote for Layton, she realizes that there is only one thing that she can do. She needs to leave as well. Out of everyone going, only she has the people of New Eden fully in her heart. She will keep track of the time they’re away to make sure they get back in time. After all, we know there will be trouble on the way. When isn’t there trouble in this series?
Ruth has done the right thing every step of the way, and she’s proven herself to be the MVP of Snowpiercer Season 4 already. It’s going to take a lot to topple her.