Mister

Mister is Lola’s pet name for Oscar. She uses it when she’s angry with him or feeling particularly affectionate. Although she’d wanted to put the name on his tombstone, no one — not even Yunior — would allow it.

Trujillo

The Trujillo is both a character and a symbol in the novel. He is the dictator of the Dominican Republican from 1930 until 1961. It is during his reign that Abelard is imprisoned on false charges and Beli is beaten because she becomes pregnant with the Gangster’s child. The Trujillo is a symbol of great but cruel power. He represents the enemy of the common man.

The Part in Lola and La Inca’s Hair

Both Lola and her grandmother, La Inca, have the same ragged, lightning-like part in their hair.

Casa Hatuey

Casa Hatuey is the name of the villa in which Beli’s parents...