The Tree of Red Stars (2)

A characteristic one could use to describe Magdalena would be determined. When she see something she wants, she does what she can to get that object, or thing. When she met Emilia, she knew without even knowing her that she wanted her to be her best friend. All she had known was that her grandfather was Brazilian.

"Young as I was, I recognized in this gesture a tenderness toward others that drew me to Emilia" (13).

Another trait one could use to describe Magdalena would be insightful. Even at such a young age, she is already wanting to know the why behind things.

"Next day, I invited her to join me in the poinsettia tree to study the barrio together, for people had begun to fascinate me, and had I been able to, I would have taken them apart to see not how, but why, they worked" (13).

Obviously Magdalena will use her mind to help change things with the way the politics are changing in their home of Uruguay (and surrounding areas). Magdalena reminds me a bit of Minerva, they both use their cunning minds to their advantages. Perhaps she will also be a political leader against a communist reign in their home.

Corrugated- To shape into folds or parallel and alternating ridges and grooves.
"Shacks littered the hillside like a patchwork of dirty handkerchiefs woven from all the refuse of the city: cardboard walls, newspaper floors, roofs made of pieces of plastic and corrugated metal, an occasional wooden door, rags for curtains" (16). This was used describe Gabriela's home; it is in shambles.

Din- A jumble of loud, usually discordant sounds.
"The neighborhood dogs caught the excitement and joined in the din by barking joyously and scaring the horse" (20). An uproar was caused when Magdalena and Emilia hide in Gabriela's horse cart to the house.