Violeta Del Valle is the protagonist and narrator of the book. She is the sixth and youngest child of Arsenio and María Gracia Del Valle, preceded by five older brothers. Violeta is a stubborn and strong-willed child, characteristics that manifest in her being spoiled as a child, as she is primarily raised by her mother and maternal aunts, Pía and Pilar. However, this is ironed out when she is finally exposed to structure and discipline upon the arrival of her governess, Josephine.

Violeta’s strong-willed nature translates to great strength of character that is highlighted by how she adapts to her family’s relocation to Santa Clara. She is an inherently intelligent young woman, evidenced by the financial sense and business acumen she displays later in life. When given sufficient intellectual stimulation through the Rivases at Santa Clara, as well as the different life experiences she accrues over her time here, she thrives. Her strength of character is also evident in her fierce independence, and the way in which she relishes and protects her financial independence throughout her various romantic relationships.

Violeta’s inherent stubbornness persists through different points in her life; part of this is compounded by the social conditioning she experiences as a woman, and by the class privilege that allows her to remain indifferent to politics.