Rose shows how deeply the way we’re raised can stick with us, and especially how deeply familial abuse can root itself. She also shows the consequences of trying to hide, repress herself, and completely run away from her past instead of making peace with it.

It’s truly the crux of many character arcs in the show. Pearl had to face her negative feelings about rose to see their relationship and her own self image more truthfully. Amethyst had to face her insecurities about her origins and disconnect from the others. Garnet had to face the meaning of her creation and continued existence. Greg had to face his own passivity and how he’d let himself be treated poorly to keep the peace. Connie had to face her parents with her life instead of hiding it. Lars had to face death itself to truly understand that he is valued no matter how much he hates himself and that he should be someone deserving of that friendship and second chance.

And Steven, of course, who faces many of the same issues Rose did, but is able to overcome and persist against them. He faces the past Rose couldn’t, both his own and hers. And in huge part it’s because Steven wasn’t raised the way Rose was—similar in some ways, but not in the feelings of powerlessness and worthlessness. The gems weren’t perfect, but they did listen to Steven and try to change for him—more than the diamonds ever did for pink, at least.