Ms. Ramírez Character Analysis in Return to Sender

Ms. Ramírez is the Spanish teacher at Tyler’s and Mari’s school. A native of Texas and the daughter of immigrants herself, she values cultural education and teaches her students about Spanish and Mexican traditions like the Day of the Dead. She also sympathizes with Mari’s experience of feeling caught between two worlds—the Mexico of her earliest years and of her parents, and the United States where she has spent most of her life. When Tío Felipe is detained by immigration authorities and incarcerated, Ms. Ramírez serves as a translator between him and his attorney, Caleb Clayton. Ms. Ramírez has a White boyfriend, a portly and jovial man named Barry.

Ms. Ramírez Character Timeline in Return to Sender

The timeline below shows where the character Ms. Ramírez appears in Return to Sender. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...possessions, and food. Tyler is familiar with the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration, because Ms. Ramírez taught about it in Spanish class, and he recognizes signs that Mari, Ofie, and Luby... (full context)

...to her dead grandmother (Abuelita). She had to hand in the one she started in Ms. Ramírez ’s class. Mari starts by thanking her grandmother for making her presence known on the... (full context)

...currently in the nearby county jail. So, after Mom finds a lawyer and arranges for Ms. Ramírez to translate, she signs up for a timeslot to visit. Tyler insists on going alone,... (full context)

But, after Caleb and Mom are done talking to Tío Felipe (with Ms. Ramírez translating), Tyler knows what to do. After answering Tío Felipe’s questions about his brothers, nieces,... (full context)

...at school will find out about Tío Felipe’s arrest and give her grief about it. Ms. Ramírez has promised to keep quiet, though, and she’s becoming almost like a family member at... (full context)

Querido Tío (14 January 2006). Mari writes this note quickly, when Ms. Ramírez unexpectedly drops by on her way to visit Tío Felipe, who is now allowed to... (full context)

...to thank their friends for their support during Tío Felipe’s ordeal. Ben and Alyssa attend. Ms. Ramírez brings her White boyfriend, Barry. He looks like Santa Claus. He wants to know why... (full context)

Dear Diary (Saturday, June 17, 2006). The next day, Ms. Ramírez , Mrs. Paquette, and Tyler stop by with an update. Papá is at a detention... (full context)

Dear Diary (Sunday, June 25, 2006). One day near the end of June, when Ms. Ramírez stops by Mr. Rossetti’s house, Mari asks if she will take her to speak to... (full context)