Makina is the protagonist of Signs Preceding the End of the World. She is described as intelligent and cool by her brother. She is a trusted figure in Little Town in the South, both by the townsfolk and the top-dogs, the leaders of the criminal underground. Makina’s chief role is as a messenger, both in her job as a switchboard operator and in her relations with the top-dogs. Makina speaks Latin, Anglo, and Native, allowing her to serve as a translator in many situations, both literally and figuratively. On her journey to the North, for example, she helps other migrants understand Anglo words and social customs. In Little Town, she translates messages and uses her role as a go-between to help couples with relationship problems, smooth out turf wars, and generally keep communication in the town going smoothly. 

Makina has respect for her mother, Cora, and love for her brother and little sister. She wishes to return quickly from the North; and she does not wish for the changes, which she has noticed in other migrants who return home, to impact her. She also wishes to help her sister learn to navigate the misogynist world in which she has had to grow up.