Characterization in Summer of the Mariposas

What did Odilia and her sisters fight about before leaving home? (chapter 2, page 41)

• Odilia wanted them to stay home. The sisters stole the father's car and left without her.

• Odilia wanted to snitch to Mama. The sisters tied her up to keep her from going.

• The sisters wanted to stay home, but Odilia wanted them to go to Mexico.

• The sisters wanted to swim. Odilia thought it was too dangerous.

What did the fight on page 41 show us about Odilia's sisters?

• They care about the dead man more than Odilia.

• They want to control their own lives.

• They don't care about the sisterhood anymore.

• They are not going to do whatever Odilia tells them.

What did the disagreement show us about Odilia? (chapter 2, page 41)

• Odilia is trying too hard to be like Mama.

• Odilia is not fully in control of her sisters.

• Odilia is smarter than her younger sisters.

• Odilia is bossy and wants to be in control.

On page 46, chapter 3, Odilia is at the river at night when two little boys run past her and fall into the river. Odilia says, "Without thinking, I scrambled up the edge and jumped in after them."

What made Odilia decide to jump into the river?

• She thought her sisters fell into the water.

• She felt sorry for the children's mother.

• She swims in the river all of the time.

• She wanted to save the two children.

"Without thinking, I scrambled up to the edge and jumped in after them." (chapter 3, p. 46)

What does this quote show us about Odilia's character?

• She is selfless.

• She is cautious.

• She is supportive.

• She is confident.

In chapter 5, Velia and Delia tie Pita up. Why do they do that?

• They hate her.

• They are afraid she will run away home and snitch to Mama.

• They forced her to come with them.

In chapter 5, page 79, after Odilia unties Pita and comforts her, it says, "Delia and Velia snorted in disgust. They turned their backs to us and opened up the containers of food."

What does this quote show us about Delia and Velia?

• They do not understand Pita's innocence.

• They do not believe that Odilia understands them.

• They do not feel close to their other sisters.

• They do not care about Pita's feelings.

La Llorona appears to Odilia and warns her that she must fight her own battles and face her own fears. What does this part of the story show us about La Llorona's character? (Chapter 6, page 85)

• She is a guide.

• She is a mystery.

• She is a coward.

• She is a sign.

Odilia says, "'Fight my own battles?' I asked. 'What are you talking about?' I'd battled too much with my sisters on this trip already. I was ready for some peace.

What does this passage show us about Odilia's character?

• She is fed up with La Llorona's cryptic words.

• She is annoyed with being the oldest sister.

• She is tired of driving.

• She is overwhelmed with their journey.

When the sisters are watching the news with Cecilia, she says, "He can't hurt you. Not as long as you stay with me. I promise." P. 138, chapter 8

What does this quote show us about Cecilia?

• She wants to protect the girls.

• She is afraid for the girls' safety.

• She does not like the police.

• She is just as scared as the girls.