Esperanza Ortega, the protagonist of Esperanza Rising, is 13 years old at the beginning of the story. As the narrative unfolds, she faces numerous challenges after the sudden death of her father and the family’s subsequent fall from riches to rags. Her age is pivotal as it symbolizes a transitional period in her life, where she evolves from a sheltered girl to a resilient young woman capable of confronting adversity. This coming-of-age journey is central to the themes of growth and perseverance in the novel.
Menu