Ruth An artist by training and temperament yet wired like a machine, Ruth prefers the "on" switch to any other mode of operation.  No matter what's happening she asks only for the chance to make it succeed: load the truck, grill a scallop, shuck a clam, slice a tomato, find something out, figure a way, serve a guest, ice it down, pick it up – as fights break out over who gets to have her on their team.