Nelson, Patria's oldest child, was arrested just before turning eighteen. He was released after several months.

Noris, Patria's young daughter, catches Trujillo's attention when they go to pick up Nelson.

Baby Raúl Ernesto was born during Patria's joining of the movement. He was named after the Cuban revolutionaries.

They have three sons: Enrique, Rafael, and David.

Very religious, wanted to be a nun, joins revolution after witnessing a massacre.

Pedrito is reluctant but joins the revolution with Patria, goes to prison with Nelson.

Peacekeeper, does not join the revolution, only surviving sister.

Jaimito is controlling and refuses all involvement with the revolution. Dedé chooses her family over Jaimito and leaves him.

Rebellious, bold, first to join the movement against Trujillo. Arrested and sent to prison for seven months.

Have an older son, Manolito, and younger daughter, Minou.

Minerva meets Manolo at law school, who becomes a resistance leader. He is sent to prison.

Has one daughter, baby Jacqueline.

Innocent, fearful, strong-willed, joined the revolution because of Minerva and Leandro. Sent to prison with Minerva.

Mate meets Leandro while he delivers a package for the movement, he is sent to prison for his involvement.

Mercedes Reyes Camilo

Very religious, suspects that her husband is dishonest

Has an affair- four other Mirabal daughters

Ruthless Dominican dictator

Ruled from 1930-1961 ( Known as the "Trujillo Era")

Assassinated on 30 May, 1961 by conspirators

Built a personality cult, where he was glorified and praised through forced propaganda and media

Military Intelligence Service

Trujillo's security forces

Responsible for around 50,000 murders

Killed up to 30,000 Haitians during a massacre in 1937

Underground movement formed to challenge Trujillo's regime

Helped form many small resistance groups

The Mirabal sisters became a symbol of social justice

Facing adversity

"I always thought our president was like God, watching over everything I did" (39).

"If she, Dedé, thought long and hard about what was right and wrong, she would no doubt be an enemy of state as well" (75).

"You think you're going to crack any day, but the strange thing is that every day you surprise yourself by pulling it off, and suddenly you start feeling stronger, like maybe you are going to make it through this hell with some dignity, some courage, and most important—never forget this, Mate—with some love still in your heart for the men who have done this to you" (241).

"[I] realized that I'd just left a small cage to go into a bigger one, the size of our whole country" (13).

"I was praying to him [Trujillo], not because he was worthy or anything like that. I wanted something from him, and prayer was the only way I knew to ask" (202).