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Elena’s mother is a woman of strong character who has raised Elena and now finds herself troubled by Elena’s teenage transition to adulthood. Elena’s mother believes that Elena’s infatuation with Eugene and her growing assimilation into mainland American culture indicate that Elena is changing in ways that she disapproves of. As Elena enters her teenage years and expresses desires that are different from her mother’s, her mother does her best to remind her of the morals she has been raised with. Ortíz Cofer describes her as “vigilant,” protecting her daughter at all times from the threats to her virtue she sees all around. Elena’s mother is a practical woman, hating Paterson and dreaming of returning to the island, but nevertheless building a solid life for her family in El Building, raising Elena with strong values and a drive to do well in school. 

While Elena’s mother is described as “abrupt” and speaks forcefully to her daughter, she seeks to convince her to act in the ways she believes are appropriate rather than actively controlling her. Although she is appalled that Elena plans to go to Eugene’s house rather than showing respect for the president on the day of his death, she does not forbid her from leaving. She has concerns about how Elena is growing up, but she allows her to develop her sense of autonomy. By the same token, she has a life independent of caring for Elena, and when Elena returns home after being rejected by Eugene’s mother, the apartment is empty because her mother has sought her own comfort with a neighbor. In the final scene, as Elena pretends to sleep while lying in her bed heartbroken, Ortíz Cofer shows that while there is some momentary distance in their relationship, Elena’s mother still cares for her enough to come to her room to offer comfort if Elena will accept it. 

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