The Red Umbrella

Ivette’s character changes dramatically throughout the novel. In the early chapters she is vibrant, carefree, and obsessed with fashion and boys. She also demonstrates loyalty to Lucia as her best friend, such as when she supports Lucia after Manuel assaults her. However, it soon becomes clear that Ivette’s parents are involved with the revolution and that her parents’ politics differ from Lucia’s parents’. At first this rift is only mildly discomforting to the girls, but it ultimately drives them apart. Ivette adopts her parents’ ideals and throws herself into the brigadistas, doing her part to support the revolution. She initially seems to do this because it is expected of her, but she becomes increasingly indoctrinated and passionate in her participation. Ivette’s character serves as a contrast to Lucia’s understanding of politics and the revolution. As Ivette becomes more entrenched in the revolution, Lucia realizes that she does not share these same beliefs, which teaches Lucia a lot about what she truly thinks and believes.

While Ivette supports Lucia early in the book, by the final chapters, she has become an antagonistic force that demonstrates how politics can destroy relationships and how oppression can stifle independence.

Mrs. Baxter is a kind and hard-working woman. She is in her 50s, and she lives a quiet life with the taciturn Mr. Baxter. When she takes in Frankie and Lucia, she has many misconceptions about Cuba. Her character exemplifies how to overcome cultural biases and misconceptions. Despite her failure with the hot sauce, Mrs. Baxter does not give up on her attempts to help the children feel more at home in Nebraska. The hybrid American-Cuban meal she prepares for Christmas is a powerful gesture that moves Lucia to tears. Mrs. Baxter becomes a true foster mother to the children, who grow to love her.

Laura is a minor character, though her few appearances in the story are significant. She is first mentioned because her father was arrested for being an anti-revolutionist. Though Laura was always one of the popular girls, the kids at school turn on her, calling her family traitors. This episode foreshadows what will happen with Lucia’s own father.

Lucia encounters Laura the day she discovers Doc Machado. Laura warns Lucia not to take a certain path home that day. Lucia is intrigued by how friendly Laura is to her when they meet on the street. Laura’s friendliness is a result of their parents’ shared political views. Laura considers Lucia a safe person to chat with, and this helps Lucia understand that others may also know that her family’s loyalty to the revolution is not genuine.