The Mirabal Sisters Character Analysis

The Mirabal sisters were revolutionaries who opposed the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. During the revolution, they were given the code name “Las Mariposas”, or “the butterflies”. The term “mariposa” suits each sister in a different way. Patria, Dedé, Minerva, and Mate Mirabal each have their one reason to be compared to a butterfly. The nickname “mariposa” shows who the Mirabal sisters are; they transformed from domestic, innocent mothers and wives into brave, defiant martyrs for national freedom. As the eldest sister, Patria is introduced as a motherly figure toward her sisters. She married at a young age and was happy being a wife and mother. Her Christianity is central to her character, and although it was tested due to the death of her stillborn child, a retreat in the mountains with her church group profoundly affects both her faith and her view of the rebellion. At the retreat, Patria witnesses a young rebel, not much older than her own daughter, being shot and killed by Trujillo’s guard force. On page 162, Patria resolves, “I’m not going to sit back and watch my babies die, Lord, even if that’s what You in Your

Minerva is the heart and soul of Las Mariposas’ revolution for freedom because of her restlessness and determination for change. She is the ringer leader of “Las Mariposas” and appears to be the bravest. Though Minerva may was never considered domestic, she did not originally have a revolution on her mind. She dreams of going to law school and is determined to attend no matter how long it takes. Having seen Trujillo’s injustice, Minerva’s interest in the revolution is sparked by meeting Lío, and grows through her experiences in the capital. Once she decides to join the revolution, she is fearless in her efforts to end Trujillo’s regime, regardless of her personal outcome. Minerva fought until the day she died, and with her death, a better future for her country was