“Joana, please don’t leave us.”(97) In the beginning of the story Joana is with her group and is the backbone holding everyone together. Her skill and charm makes her the most essential character in my opinion. The group would be lost without their charismatic leader. Joana is mentally strong and maintains a calm demeanor throughout Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. Her contributions as a main character are unmatched because of her beautiful, brilliant, and caring personality. Joana has been described as pretty more times than any other physical description. Through other characters' eyes, readers picture Joana as tall with brown curly hair, brown eyes, and skinny but strong. (physically) While still in the exposition, Florian meets Joana in the barn and she …show more content…
Her cunning medicine abilities and quick thinking keeps the whole group alive. Joana’s ideas and wit get everyone through each obstacle. In the barn, whilst everyone is asleep, Joana begins telling us bits from her past. “I was studious, dedicated, perhaps overly so.”(22) Joana wanted to get into medicine and surgery is a field that requires great brilliance and mental strength. “You have steady hands, Joana, and a strong stomach. You’ll do well in medicine.”(22) This quote comes from a surgeon whom Joana studied under. This well respected surgeon noticed Joana’s skill and said, very clearly aloud, she will be the best of the best if she chooses to harness and use her talent in medicine. Joana is not only helpful in surgery, but also in times of terror. On the road and in the barn, Joana stepped up and helped each member of the group quickly and without much supply stock. “It’s okay, Emilia, tell me what is wrong. Let me help you.”(78) Joana had nothing to use and no clue of who Emilia was, but still thought she could help. Joana helped Emilia with the biggest problem she was going to face (pregnancy) and demonstrated brilliance for the millionth time in that