Final answer:
Ruth is depicted as empathetic and generous, deeply affected by the socioeconomic challenges that she and others endure. Her kindness permeates through the narrative, highlighting her resilience in the face of adversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
By the end of Act I, we have learned about a character named Ruth and her complexities within the storyline. Ruth's circumstances, highlighted through intense attention to detail and emotional struggles, reveal her to be empathetic and generous despite the hard times that both she and others face. The narrative reflects upon the socioeconomic disparities and the shared human experiences in challenging circumstances, which Ruth navigates with resilience and kindness.