Furia

Méndez develops key relationships between characters in these chapters, establishing relational dynamics that provide a sense of tension throughout the novel. One such relationship is that between Camila and Pablo. In some ways, they are close as brother and sister. They both deal with the same family difficulties, such as their father’s belittling nature and their mother’s constant insecurities, and are somewhat united in their apprehension around their father. Pablo is also a protective older brother and warns Camila against developing feelings for Diego. Despite the understanding between them, they are distant in other ways. For example, Pablo has never come to see Camila play soccer and does not know the extent of her talent or goals for the future. Furthermore, Camila doesn’t view Marisol, Pablo’s girlfriend, as a good match for Pablo. As important aspects of the sibling’s lives change—Pablo’s career, Camila’s future choices, and their respective romantic relationships—it seems these changes will either bring them closer or drive them apart. The understanding they shared growing up is in danger of disappearing unless they make a conscious choice to maintain it.

Méndez also develops the relationship between Camila’s parents. She characterizes Camila’s father as critical and domineering, showing the way his presence in the house puts everyone, especially Camila’s mother, on edge. He criticizes her food choices, preying on her already fragile body image to assert a sense of power over her. Meanwhile, Méndez characterizes Camila’s mother as insecure. She looks at Camila’s father with longing, wanting so badly to be loved by him despite his cruelty to her. Camila can clearly see the flaws in her parents’ marriage and knows she wants something better for her own life.

Finally, Méndez begins to develop the budding relationship between Camila and Diego. Even as children, their friendship was something special. Camila remembers the sensitive comfort Diego gave her and how he told her about a warrior princes named Camila, inspiring and empowering her. Diego isn’t like the other men in Camila’s life. He sees Camila independently of her brother and parents. Despite her growing feelings for him, Camila has her guard up. She is realistic, knowing that a relationship with him would only complicate her dreams. Méndez establishes the internal battle Camila faces for the duration of the novel between her feelings for Diego and her plans to become a professional soccer player.