I Am Not your Perfect Mexican Daughter Character List

Julia Reyes

Julia Reyes is the teenage protagonist in I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. Determined, sharp, and insightful, she is also the story's first-person narrator. Julia lives in a working-class neighborhood of Chicago, and she's a first-generation Mexican immigrant. Julia feels like she is the black sheep of the family, and this dynamic intensifies when her sister Olga, the "perfect Mexican daughter," is suddenly struck and killed by a bus. Julia is frustrated by her life in Chicago, and she dreams of someday moving to New York and becoming a famous writer.

After Olga's death, Julia struggles to have a relationship with her grieving parents. Her mother, whom she refers to as "Amá," shames Julia for being a contrarian and often grounds Julia for her behavior. Julia remains convinced that Olga had a secret life unknown to her, and she obsesses over sifting through Olga's belongings to find clues. As time progresses, Julia's adolescence grows increasingly more difficult. She struggles with school, her relationship with Amá, and heartbreak. Julia's anxiety and depression intensify, and she attempts suicide. After she begins treatment, she begins to understand healthy coping mechanisms to handle her emotions. Julia eventually moves to New York to attend university and begin a new phase of her life.

Olga Reyes

In the novel's opening pages, we learn of the death of Olga Reyes, Julia's older sister. Olga was struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy Chicago street, and Julia feels somewhat guilty for her death. Olga is characterized as being the "perfect Mexican daughter." Julia describes Olga as traditional, mild-mannered, hardworking, and focused. Following Olga's death, Julia reevaluates their distant relationship and is determined to understand more about her sister. Julia's hunch is correct, and she discovers that Olga's life is much more complicated than it appeared to be. Although Olga is not an "active" character in the novel, she is incredibly important. Her death forces the Reyes family to fight, be vulnerable, and better understand one another.

Amá/Amparo Montenegro Reyes

Amparo Montenegro Reyes, who is referred to as "Amá" in the novel, is the mother of Julia and Olga. She works as a housekeeper for wealthy Chicago families, and she is characterized as being uptight and orderly. Julia strongly opposes Ama's strict nature, and she feels pressure from her mother to be more traditional and demure. After Julia visits her family in Mexico following her suicide attempt, she begins to understand a different side of Amá. She recognizes the numerous setbacks Amá has experienced, and she develops empathy for her mother. Although the novel often showcases the fraught relationship between Julia and Amá, their bond grows and they begin to understand one another's differences.

Apá/Rafael Reyes

Rafael Reyes, who is referred to as "Apá," is Julia and Olga's father. He works long hours at a factory in Chicago, and he is determined to build a better future in the United States for his wife and children. Apá is characterized as reserved, exhausted, and distant. After Olga's death, he doesn't appear to grieve or emote. When Julia travels to her parent's hometown in Los Ojos, Mexico, she realizes that Apá was once a talented artist, well-respected in their community. Learning this about Apá allows Julia to understand the sacrifices he made in order to provide for his family.

Lorena

Connor

Julia meets Connor one day at a bookstore in downtown Chicago. The two bond over their love of literature, and the encounter at the bookstore escalates to a date at a nearby coffee shop. The two become boyfriend and girlfriend, although Julia must lie to Amá in order for the two of them to hang out. After dating for a little while, Julia loses her virginity to Connor. Connor is from a wealthy suburb in Chicago, and it is evident that his affluence bothers Julia and makes her feel a sense of shame about her own poverty. Although Connor is a very caring and sensitive partner, Julia's intensifying depression causes them to put their relationship on pause. After Julia's hospitalization and trip to Mexico, the two reunite and begin dating the summer before they both head to college.

Angie

Angie is Olga's best friend. Following Olga's death, Angie sinks into a deep depression and is essentially unreachable. Although Julia attempts to contact Angie in order to find out more about her sister and her "secret life," Angie is reserved and private. Later, when Julia finds Olga's email chain with Dr. Castillo, she confronts Angie in order to ask about Olga's affair. Angie reveals that she knew about Dr. Castillo and Olga's recent pregnancy, but she felt it was important to maintain the secret for the family's wellbeing.

Juanga

When Juanga and Lorena initially become friends, Julia feels threatened. Julia is put off by Juanga's flamboyance and feels like Juanga is dramatic and attention-seeking. However, as time progresses, the three become good friends. It becomes clear that Juanga is a sensitive and caring individual, and he struggles with his family's intolerance of his homosexuality.

Mr. Ingman

Mr. Ingman is Julia's English teacher. He recognizes Julia's creativity and talent, and he encourages her to apply to colleges where she can creatively flourish. Mr. Ingman is also one of the only teachers who is sensitive to Julia's feelings following Olga's death. Mr. Ingman explains that he is able to empathize with Julia's pain, as his own mother passed away suddenly while he was a child. Mr. Ingman is an important mentor and support system for Julia.

Jazmyn

Jazmyn is one of Olga's friends from many years ago. When Jazmyn runs into Julia at a party, she is unaware of Olga's death and asks Julia how Olga is doing. Jazmyn is shocked at the news, and her sadness sends Julia into a spiral of depressive thoughts. Julia asks Jazmyn for details surrounding her relationships, but Jazmyn is unable to provide insightful information.

Tía Fermina

Tía Fermina is Amá's sister and Julia's aunt. She is sensitive and kind, and she has a lot of love for Julia and her family. When Julia goes to Los Ojos to visit her family, Tía Fermina reveals that Amá was sexually assaulted when crossing the border to the United States. For this reason, Amá is particularly paranoid and overprotective.

Dr. Castillo

Dr. Castillo is a wealthy medical doctor whose office Olga worked in. After searching through Olga's emails, Julia discovers that her sister was having an affair with Dr. Castillo. At the time of Olga's death, she was twelve weeks pregnant with Dr. Castillo's baby. Although Julia confronts Dr. Castillo angrily, she develops compassion for him when he reveals the effect Olga's death had on him.

Mamá Jacinta

Mamá Jacinta is Julia's grandmother. She lives in Los Ojos, and Julia often remembers her childhood trips to visit her grandmother with fondness. After Julia is hospitalized, Amá sends her to Mamá Jacinta's house to "reset." Although Julia was initially hesitant to make the trip, the time with her grandmother is grounding and important in Julia's process of developing compassion for her grieving family.

Belén

Belén is Julia's cousin who lives in Los Ojos. Belén receives a lot of attention for her beauty, which makes Julia feel a bit uncomfortable.

Dr. Cooke

Dr. Cooke is Julia's therapist. Julia first meets Dr. Cooke during her one-week stay at the hospital following her suicide attempt. Julia's sessions with Dr. Cooke are very helpful, and Julia learns healthy coping mechanisms she can use to handle her anxiety and depression.