1.4 Character Analysis

Characters:

Female Principals:

 

Nina Rosario – daughter of Kevin & Camila Rosario freshman at Stanford University. Inteligent, and kind hearted. However she feels that she has let everyone down because she’s dropping out of college. She is the daughter of Kevin and Camilia Rosario. Nina

is the only member of her family and friends who made it to college. She is best friends with Vanessa and a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who know her; she represents the opportunity outside of “the Heights.”

 

Vanessa – Usnavi’s love interest 19 year old shampoo girl at Daniela’s Salon, Vanessa is strong, intelligent and grew up with Benny and Usnavi. Though Usnavi would like to be something more than Vanessa’s “friend”, he has never made any attempt. Vanessa dreams of leaving to create her own life away from her alcoholic mother.

 

Camila Rosario – Nina’s mom, co‐owner of Rosario’s Car and Limousine. Head strong and family orientated.  She is seen as the centre of the family. In her forties. From Arecibo, Puerto Rico, she fell in love with Kevin at 19 and immigrated with him to New York City. She is cool-headed yet keeps a subtle but strong leash on Kevin.  Her daughter Nina has just returned for the summer from her first year at Stanford.

 

Abuela Claudia – In her late 60’s, she raised Usnavi after his parents passed away and continues to live with him. She emigrated from Cuba when shewas very young. Of all the characters, Abuela Claudia has been in “The Heights” the longest. She struggled to learn English, struggled to find work and in turn has helped others who have followed in her path. She is clearly the matriarch of the neighborhood. Raised Usnavi and Sonny, grand‐matriarch of the entire community. She also wins the lottery.

 

Daniela -  In her thirties, she is the owner of Daniela’s Salon. She is quick witted outspoken. While she retains a motherly relationship with Vanessa, she remains childish and immature, often gossiping about the neighbours. Despite this she has built a successful business but is being forced out the neighbourhood because of the increasing rent prices.

 

 

 

Male Principals:

 

Usnavi De La Vega–owner of De la Vega’s Bodega (corner store) and has romantic feelings for Vanessa. Is also a centre point to the narrative. His parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic and have since passed away. He lives with Abuela Claudia (Grandmother Claudia), who isn’t actually his grandmother but they are as close as family. Usnavi is in love with Vanessa and remains the eyes and ears of his Washington Heights neighbourhood.

 

Benny – Works at Rosario’s Car and Limousine, has thing for Nina. Now a 24 year old cab driver for Rosario Car and Limousine often finds himself in trouble. Kevin saw promise in Benny and helped shape him into a responsible, hard-working young man. Benny has enormous respect for Kevin and sees him as a father figure. Eventually falling in love with Nina, Benny sees a future for them by becoming a businessman. He and Usnavi are best friends.

 

Kevin Rosario – Nina’s dad, co‐owner of Rosario’s Car and Limousine. Kevin is in his forties and is husband to Camila and father to Nina. While Kevin was born and raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, he immigrated to New York City with Camila. Kevin immediately started working to provide a better life for his newly-arrived family. He is stubborn, hot tempered at times and can be quick to act without thoughts of repercussions.

 

Sonny – 15 years old and Usnavi’s cousin, Sonny is spending the summer working for Usnavi at the corner shop (Bodega). He usually hangs out on the street with his friend Graffiti Pete but avoids trouble. He is an extremely intelligent and strives to emulate Usnavi. Passionate to solve the social and economic problems of the city, he is someone that needs guidance or risks ending up a street punk.

 

Graffiti Pete – An 18-year old graffiti artist and the nemesis of Usnavi, he is always hanging out on the streets, dancing to his boom box music, spraying any surface he can. Usnavi is unhappy that Sonny and Graffiti Pete are friends because Graffiti Pete epitomizes everything that Usnavi hopes that Sonny will not grow up to be.