The Tortilla Curtain Character Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Delaney Mossbacher

Delaney Mossbacher is one of the protagonists in The Tortilla Curtain. He represents the liberal, environmentally conscious, and politically correct part of American society. Delaney serves as a vehicle for the author to explore themes of privilege, guilt, and the complexities of the American Dream.

Kyra Mossbacher

Kyra Mossbacher is Delaney's wife. She is a successful real estate agent who prides herself on her liberal beliefs and commitment to social justice. Kyra's character embodies the contradictions and challenges of maintaining progressive values in a privileged and segregated society.

Cándido Rincón

Cándido Rincón is an undocumented Mexican immigrant who becomes the other protagonist of the novel. He represents the marginalized, disadvantaged, and often invisible segment of American society. Cándido's character allows the author to delve into the harsh realities faced by immigrants and the pursuit of the American Dream in the face of adversity.

América Rincón

América is Cándido's wife. Her character reflects the struggles of motherhood, poverty, and the resilience of the immigrant experience. Through América, the novel explores the impact of discrimination, poverty, and the desire for a better life on immigrant families.

Character Descriptions

Delaney Mossbacher

Delaney is a nature writer and a self-proclaimed liberal. He is described as a middle-aged, well-intentioned man who often grapples with his own white privilege and the ethical dilemmas of living in a gated community. His physical appearance is that of a typical middle-class American, with a penchant for outdoor activities and a cautious demeanor.

Kyra Mossbacher

Kyra is a successful real estate agent with a passion for social justice and environmental causes. She is depicted as an attractive, confident woman in her forties, who is committed to her career and her family. Her appearance and demeanor reflect her affluent lifestyle and her efforts to maintain progressive values in her personal and professional life.

Cándido Rincón

Cándido is a hardworking, resilient, and resourceful Mexican immigrant who is determined to provide a better life for his family. He is described as weathered by years of physical labor, with a strong physique and a weathered face that reflects the hardships he has endured. His character embodies the struggles and determination of undocumented immigrants in pursuit of the American Dream.

América Rincón

América is portrayed as a young, devoted mother who bears the weight of poverty and displacement. Her physical description emphasizes her youthfulness, with a tired yet tenacious demeanor that reflects her role as the emotional anchor of her family. América's character represents the sacrifices and hardships faced by immigrant women in their pursuit of stability and security.

Character Traits

Delaney Mossbacher

• Well-intentioned
• Conscientious
• Privileged
• Guilt-ridden
• Idealistic

Kyra Mossbacher

• Confident
• Compassionate
• Ambitious
• Idealistic
• Privileged

Cándido Rincón

• Resilient
• Resourceful
• Determined
• Hardworking
• Vulnerable

América Rincón

• Devoted
• Resilient
• Sacrificial
• Protective
• Vulnerable

Character Background

Delaney Mossbacher

Delaney comes from a middle-class background and has enjoyed a relatively privileged life. His passion for nature and environmental causes stems from a comfortable upbringing that allowed him to pursue his interests. His background influences his worldview and his struggles with guilt and privilege.

Kyra Mossbacher

Kyra's background is similar to Delaney's, as she also comes from a middle-class background. Her success as a real estate agent has allowed her to enjoy financial stability and the freedom to pursue her interests in social justice and environmental activism.

Cándido Rincón

Cándido comes from a background of poverty and hardship in Mexico. His decision to immigrate to the United States is driven by the desire to escape poverty and provide a better future for his family. The challenges he faced in his homeland shape his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

América Rincón

América's background mirrors Cándido's, as she also experienced poverty and instability in Mexico. Her journey to the United States is motivated by a longing for security and opportunities for her family. Her background underscores her sacrifices and unwavering commitment to her loved ones.

Character Arcs

Delaney Mossbacher

Delaney's character undergoes a transformation as he confronts his privilege and grapples with the consequences of his actions. His arc involves a gradual realization of the complexities of inequality and the impact of his decisions on others. His interactions with Cándido and América challenge his preconceptions and lead to personal growth.

Kyra Mossbacher

Kyra's character arc revolves around the clash between her progressive values and the realities of her privileged lifestyle. Her journey involves navigating the contradictions between her activism and the comforts provided by her affluence. Her interactions with Cándido and América prompt her to confront her biases and reassess her priorities.

Cándido Rincón

Cándido's character arc is defined by his relentless pursuit of stability and security for his family. His journey involves enduring hardship, exploitation, and discrimination while striving to build a better future. His interactions with Delaney and Kyra expose the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants and the resilience required to survive.

América Rincón

América's character arc centers on her unwavering devotion to her family and the sacrifices she makes to protect them. Her journey involves facing adversity, discrimination, and the challenges of motherhood while holding onto hope for a better life. Her interactions with the Mossbachers highlight the resilience and strength of immigrant women.

Relationships

Delaney and Kyra Mossbacher

Delaney and Kyra share a complex relationship characterized by their mutual commitment to progressive values and their struggles with privilege. Their interactions reflect the challenges of maintaining their ideals in the face of societal pressures and personal biases.

Cándido and América Rincón

Cándido and América's relationship is defined by their shared determination to overcome adversity and create a better future for their family. Their interactions highlight the sacrifices and hardships endured by undocumented immigrants and the strength derived from their bond.

Delaney and Cándido

Delaney and Cándido's relationship evolves from initial distrust and misunderstanding to a complex dynamic shaped by empathy and confrontation. Their interactions expose the disparities in their lives and the consequences of their choices, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of each other's struggles.

Kyra and América

Kyra and América's relationship is marked by a contrast of privilege and struggle, reflecting the disparities between their lives. Their interactions prompt Kyra to confront her biases and acknowledge the hardships faced by immigrant women, leading to a shift in her perspective.

In The Tortilla Curtain, T. Coraghessan Boyle skillfully weaves the lives of these characters together, offering a poignant exploration of privilege, immigration, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through their distinct backgrounds, traits, and relationships, the characters serve as compelling vehicles for the author to dissect the complexities of contemporary American society.