Tía Flor

Character Analysis

The cousins refer to Tía Flor as "the politician" (1.1.12) because no matter how bad things get, she always has a big, fake smile on her face. This title is not a compliment.

Ironically, Tía Flor is one of the few characters who refuses to get involved in real political issues, like feminism. When the García sisters try to convince her of the importance of women's rights, Tía Flor responds: "Look at me, I'm a queen. [...] My husband has to go to work every day. I can sleep until noon, if I want. I'm going to protest for my rights?" (2.1.84). Tía Flor may be a two-faced politician, but she's no revolutionary.

Tía Flor has a really condescending way of talking about her servants. "The help!" she exclaims. "Every day worse" (1.1.12). She seems completely unsympathetic to the hardships faced by most Dominicans, who have to work for a living and live in poverty.

Tía Flor represents the wealth and privilege enjoyed by Yoyo's Dominican family. She also provides a contrast to Yolanda—unlike her Tía Flor, Yolanda can't just ignore the fact that she's had a lot of opportunities that most Dominicans don't have.