How has Esperanza developed as a character? Contrast Esperanza before and after arriving in California.

Esperanza is the pre-teen protagonist of the novel. She is the daughter of a wealthy landowner growing up in Aguascalientes, Mexico. When her father dies, her life turns upside down. Esperanza and her mother must move to America and begin their life anew as migrant workers in California. The novel chronicles Esperanza's struggles to adapt to her new circumstances. Esperanza developes in maturity and outlook. She is forced to abandon her "wealthy" lifestyle in Mexico. She becomes more humble and hard working. She is also able to look at poor people with more compassion.