Positive:
* Loyal: She is fiercely loyal to Matt and El Patron, even when it puts her own life at risk.
* Compassionate: She demonstrates genuine care and concern for Matt, particularly in his early years.
* Strong: She is physically strong and capable, able to handle dangerous situations and defend herself.
* Protective: She is deeply protective of Matt and takes risks to ensure his safety.
* Resilient: She endures hardships and challenges, remaining determined and hopeful even in difficult circumstances.
* Courageous: She stands up for what she believes in and faces threats with bravery.
* Independent: She exhibits a strong sense of self and makes her own choices despite external pressures.
Negative:
* Manipulative: Maria's methods for achieving her goals can be seen as manipulative, particularly when she exploits Matt's innocence.
* Deceptive: She hides her true intentions and relationships, sometimes resorting to lies to protect herself.
* Ambitious: Her desire for power and status drives some of her decisions.
* Selfish: While she genuinely cares for Matt, her actions are sometimes driven by self-preservation and personal gain.
Neutral:
* Mysterious: Maria's past and true motivations are shrouded in secrecy, making her a complex and intriguing character.
* Complex: She is not a simple good or bad character; she is multifaceted with both positive and negative qualities.
Ultimately, the adjectives that best describe Maria Mendoza will depend on the reader's interpretation of her actions and motivations. The author, Nancy Farmer, leaves the reader to form their own opinions about Maria's character, adding to the intrigue of the story.