Characters and Setting

Amelita

Amelita is the novel’s main character and a passionate teacher. Her characteristic determination and dignity push her to pursue her own ambitions in spite of her mother’s disapproval. She is, at times, indecisive, weighing the needs of her family. In the end, her inherent care earns her success.

Aling Rosa

As Amelita’s mother, her way of pushing her children to succeed can be somewhat inconsiderate, asserting her own wishes even in her children’s adulthood. This results in her children slowly distancing themselves away from her, which she largely doesn’t mind in light of their professional success.

Mang Ambo

The quiet father of Amelita and husband of Aling Rosa. He believes that his children have the capacity to make their decisions for themselves. However, he still lets his wife make their children’s decisions for them. He often keeps his thoughts and opinions to himself and is overshadowed by his wife.

Mauro

The persistent lover of Amelita. He already knows what he wants out of life. He values his family, profession, and Amelita. He always puts others first before his own happiness which sometimes results in his own sorrow.

Osmundo

Initially, Aling Rosa had vouched for him as Amelita’s suitor due to his wealth. He believes in the grandeur of love, even to deadly degrees. He is nothing if not persistent, both in love and in his career, taking him to places far beyond his provincial town.

Rosalida

Rosalida is Amelita and Mauro’s prematurely born daughter. By the time of her childhood, she has grown into an intelligent, obedient, and kind girl.

Aling Idad

The loving mother of Mauro. She often isnt able to find the proper words to express her thoughts. She cannot seem to defend herself from the mockery by Aling Rosa.