César is Ana’s brother-in-law. He is a secondary character who plays an important role in Ana’s character development. César symbolizes the male privilege that Ana doesn’t have access to. He is free to move, work, and socialize however he chooses to. César also symbolizes the man that Ana could have created a more equitable life with. He is affectionate, loving, and analyzes other characters with an empathy that allows him to see their different layers. César is Ana’s one true friend in America. He teaches Ana how to navigate the city, create a business, and believe in herself. Ana’s relationship with César prompts a new relationship with her body and mind. César’s role in the novel is to boost Ana’s self-confidence while also teaching her a valuable lesson about timing. Though they are in love, César is less mature than Juan. César may become a person who could create a good life for Ana, but in these pages, he is as flighty and insecure as the other men Ana has known. César inadvertently teaches Ana the importance of patience and that change doesn’t happen overnight.