Call Me Maria Character Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is Mami?

Maria's mom, a teacher, who lives in Puerto Rico.

What is Puerto Rico for Maria?

Maria's island home before moving to the US.

Who is Papi?

Maria's father, an apartment 'super' who takes care of and fixes the apartment building.

Who is Papi Lindo?

Ricky, a boy who lives in Maria's building; he is good looking and has lots of girlfriends. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Uma?

Maria's friend who lives directly above Maria; she is in love with Papi Lindo, but he doesn't return her love. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Whoopee?

Maria's friend who is wild, outspoken, and unconventional; she doesn't realize how beautiful she really is. Signup and view all the answers

What does barrio refer to in this context?

A neighborhood within a larger city where people speak mainly Spanish or Spanglish. Signup and view all the answers

What is Maria's motivation?

To get into a good American university. Signup and view all the answers

What is poetry to Maria?

Maria's 'work' and how she expresses herself and the world she lives in. Signup and view all the answers

Who are barrio women?

Women who live in the barrio and make fun of Maria's mother. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Abuela?

Maria's grandmother who visits from the island. Signup and view all the answers

What pieces make up Maria's 'Who You Are Day' outfit?

Mami's skirt, Papi's jacket, Whoopee's shoes, Uma's sari, Abuela's shawl. Signup and view all the answers

How do Mami and Maria communicate?

Letters. Signup and view all the answers

What role do Maria's teachers play?

They encourage her writing and recognize that she has contributions to make and gifts to share. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Senorita Stuckey?

Maria's Spanish teacher who travels and embraces Spanish-speaking cultures, but is also lonely. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ms. Coronado?

Maria's Life Sciences teacher who teaches her that by looking deeply into ordinary things, she can find beauty. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Golden?

Maria's Language Arts teacher who tells her that she's a poet. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. C?

Maria's math teacher, who sings silly songs and charms his students with his Southern accent. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dona Segura?

A nearly blind woman who lives in Maria's building; she embroiders and makes Maria a pillowcase for her birthday. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Characters in Call Me Maria

Mami: Maria's mother, a dedicated teacher residing in Puerto Rico.
Papi: Maria's father who works as an apartment superintendent, maintaining the building.
Papi Lindo (Ricky): A handsome boy from Maria's building, known for having multiple girlfriends.
Uma: Maria's friend living above her, infatuated with Papi Lindo who does not reciprocate her feelings.
Whoopee: An outspoken and wild friend of Maria, often unaware of her own beauty.
Abuela: Maria's grandmother who comes to visit from Puerto Rico.
Dona Segura: A nearly blind resident in Maria's building who creates handmade crafts for Maria.

Settings and Background

Puerto Rico: Maria's original home before relocating to the United States, integral to her identity.
Barrio: The predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood where Maria lives, characterized by its cultural dynamics.

Key Motivations and Themes

Maria's Ambition: Aspires to attend a prestigious American university, driving her educational pursuits.
Poetry: Serves as Maria's primary means of self-expression and reflection on her life experiences.

Family Dynamics

Mother-Daughter Communication: Maria and Mami stay connected through letters, highlighting their emotional bond despite distance.
Community Perception: Local women in the barrio often mock Mami, indicating tensions within the community.

Educators Influencing Maria

Senorita Stuckey: Maria's Spanish teacher steeped in cultural appreciation, yet struggles with loneliness.
Ms. Coronado: Life Sciences teacher who teaches students to find beauty in the ordinary.
Mr. Golden: Maria’s Language Arts teacher who recognizes her talent as a poet.
Mr. C: Math teacher known for his entertaining method of teaching through song.

Significant Events and Symbolism

"Who You Are Day" Outfit: A symbolic outfit made from items belonging to her family and friends, representing her diverse identity and connections.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the main characters from 'Call Me Maria'. This flashcard quiz covers key figures such as Maria, her parents, and other notable characters living in her apartment building. Perfect for reinforcing understanding of their backgrounds and roles in the story.