- Mother to Monserrat and Dimitrio Mendoza
- Wife to Lauro Mendoza
- Sister In-Law to Carlota Mendoza
- Accomplice to Alejandro Almonte
- Ex-lover of Don Benjamín
Dimitrio Mendoza (Osvaldo Benavides)
- Son of Lauro and Graciela Mendoza
- Brother of Monserrat Mendoza
- Murderer of Bruno Gamboa
- Accomplice to Graciela Mendoza and Alejandro Almonte
Carlota Mendoza (Gabriela Rivero)
- Sister of Lauro Mendoza
- Sister in-law of Graciela Mendoza
- Aunt to Monserrat and Dimitrio Mendoza
Esmeralda Medina (Margarita Magaña)
- Best friend to Monserrat Mendoza
- Friend of José Luis Álvarez
Analysis of Characters:
Throughout episodes one through six many elements of the characters begin to develop. These are the episodes in which one uncovers the idea of forbidden love. Monserrat demonstrates just how strong, independent, and resilient she is. After being told numerous times that she is forbidden to see Jose Luis, she finds a way to do so. She holds true to what she feels. She is not afraid to lose everything she has and leave all of those that she loves behind if it means her happiness. José Luis Álvarez is presented as courageous, determined, but also unsure. It is understandable that he is hesitant because of his social standing. But this is the love of his life, he should take more control. If he loves Monse as much as he says he will stop at nothing to be with her. So far, he has. It took a little coaxing on Monserrats' part to get him where he is now, but he is starting to prove himself worthy of a woman like her.
Which brings in this idea of "machismo." The idea that if you are a man, you are in charge, you make the rules etc. However, here it is kind of flipped. In this telenovela there is a very strong woman presence. Dare I say "machisma", and that is Graciela Mendoza. Graciela Mendoza gets everything done for herself. She is what some may consider the evil step mother in the Cinderella story. She will do whatever it takes to ensure her needs are met and that she is taken care of. However, the "machismo" concept is seen in Esmeralda and her husband Pedro Medina's relationship. He tells her what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. We even see in episode six that he slaps her after he catches her giving a letter to Jose Luis. Even after clearing up that it was a misunderstanding he roughly told her "At least now you know what happens if you cheat on me." The audacity!
From the very first episode I noticed that Lauro Mendoza was very stern with his wife and Dimitrio. But I believe that it is only because he knows his wife's character. He sees through the front (most of the time) and gives it to her straight. He's highly frustrated with his son Dimitrio, who's just living off of his father's success. He also happens to be a murderer which not even his endearing mother knows. Once again, a classic element developing. Mama's boy and daddy's girl. This contributes to a lot of the tension inside of this family and why there is always so much conflict without any resolution whatsoever.
Alejandro Almonte is the son of the late Don Benjamin. After inheriting all of his father;s fortune and businesses, he encounters the Mendonza family. Almost immediately falling in love with Monserrat. Alongside Graciela, they create a plot to push Monserrat into Alejandro's arms. This was surprising for me because I thought of Alejandro as a decent man. Towards the end of episode six he tries to cover up what he's done by blackmailing Graciela and telling her that if Monserrat ever finds out about their plan he will not pay her debts.
Carlota is portrayed as the idiotic aunt whom no one likes. Other than Monse and her father. For Graciela and Dimitrio she is simply an obstacle that is preventing them from doing whatever they wants.She is super "chismosa" or a gossiper. She knows everything about everyone and often times when she is running her big mouth she puts an end to someone's plans with bad news.
Your character list and analysis was so helpful for me while watching this show! I really agree with what you have to say about them. I think it's interesting to see who were the big players in the first few episodes, now that we're so much further in and see how the minor characters kind of came to life and caused their own trouble.
ReplyDelete