Characters
Places
Symbols and Themes
100

This character is the narrator and protagonist

Esperanza Cordero 

100

The neighborhood where Esperanza and her family move. 

Mango Street

100

Esperanzaz compares her name to this natural event, saying it is like the number nine

Sadness or muddy color. 

200

Esperanza's younger sister who she describes as her responsibility

Neeny

200

The place where Esperanza wishes she lived instead of Mango Street 

A House of her own

200

The theme that is represented by the idea of Esperanza wanting a different home

Hope for a better life/social class struggle

300

This character owns a used car lot and lets kids ride a bicycle together. 

Who is Mr. Gil

300

A junk store that Nenny finds interesting, but Esperanza finds dark and dusty.

Gil's furniture store

300

The item that represents the burden of responsibility Esperanza feels for her sister Nenny

Bicycle

400

These two neighborhood girls befriend Esperanza and Nenny, offering them a bike for 5 dollars.

Rachel and Lucy

400

The theme reflected when Esperanza feels embarrassed about where she lives. 

Shame and identity