Sisa

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**Narcisa**, also known as **"Sisa"**, is the mother of Crispin and Basilio in *Noli Me Tangere*. When one of her sons go missing, she becomes insane in search of Crispin. She is portrayed by Andrea Torres.

## Appearance

In "Noli Me Tangere," Sisa is described as a poor, distressed woman who has suffered greatly. Here is a depiction of her appearance:

Sisa is portrayed as a middle-aged Filipina mother who bears the physical and emotional scars of her tragic experiences. Her physical appearance reflects the hardships she has endured. She is often described as thin and emaciated, with sunken cheeks and a gaunt figure. Her clothing is ragged and worn, reflecting her impoverished state.

Her disheveled hair adds to her unkempt appearance, and her eyes are described as haunted, filled with sorrow and pain. Sisa's eyes are often bloodshot, a result of her weeping and the overwhelming anguish she experiences.

She carries herself with a hunched posture, displaying the weight of her grief and the burden of her circumstances. Sisa's overall appearance reflects her vulnerability, the toll of her suffering, and the tragic loss she has endured as a mother.

## Personality

Sisa's most prominent trait is her deep and unwavering love for her children, Basilio and Crispín. She is a devoted mother who cares for her sons intensely. Sisa's love for her children is her driving force, and she is willing to endure immense pain and suffering to protect and care for them.

Her personality is marked by immense sorrow and grief. She has experienced great loss and has been deeply affected by the abuses and injustices inflicted upon her family. Her anguish over the disappearance of her sons and her inability to find them weighs heavily on her, leading to her mental and emotional breakdown.

Sisa's experiences have left her in a vulnerable state. She is psychologically fragile and emotionally fragile, often displaying signs of distress and confusion. Sisa's vulnerability is exploited by those around her, making her a victim of societal oppression and abuse.

Despite her overwhelming suffering, Sisa displays moments of resilience. She exhibits a determination to find her lost sons and reunite her broken family. Her resilience can be seen in her continued search and her unwavering hope in the face of adversity.

She is portrayed as innocent and pure-hearted. She is depicted as a simple woman with a kind and gentle nature. Her innocence contrasts starkly with the harsh realities and injustices she faces, making her plight even more tragic.

Sisa's character also serves as a symbol of the suffering and struggles endured by the Filipino people under Spanish colonial rule. She represents the countless mothers who have lost their children and the collective pain experienced by the oppressed.

## History

Sisa is a poor Filipina woman living in the town of San Diego. She is a mother to two sons, Basilio and Crispín, and she is known for her kind and caring nature. Sisa's family represents the marginalized and oppressed sector of society, enduring the hardships brought about by the abusive Spanish authorities and the corrupt friars.

Her history is marked by tragedy. She has already an abusive husband, and throughout the novel, she experiences the heart-wrenching loss of her two sons. Basilio and Crispín are abused and mistreated by the authorities, leading to their deaths. Sisa's grief and anguish over the loss of her children shape her character and drive her to the brink of madness.

The tragic events surrounding her sons' deaths take a severe toll on Sisa's mental and emotional well-being. She becomes mentally distraught, plagued by guilt, sorrow, and the relentless anguish of a mother who has lost her children. Sisa's descent into madness is a poignant portrayal of the devastating effects of the oppressive colonial regime on the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

## Relationships

* Basilio and Crispín (Sons): Sisa is the mother of Basilio and Crispín, two young boys who become central characters in the novel. Her relationship with her sons is characterized by deep love and concern. Sisa's immense grief and anguish stem from the loss and mistreatment of her children, who fall victim to abuse and injustice.
* Crisostomo Ibarra: Although Sisa's direct interaction with Crisostomo Ibarra is limited, he shows compassion and concern for her situation. Crisostomo Ibarra becomes aware of the injustice suffered by Sisa and her sons, leading him to take action to bring about justice and change.
* Pilosopo Tasyo: Sisa encounters Pilosopo Tasyo, an eccentric philosopher, during her search for her sons. While their interaction is brief, Sisa's encounter with Pilosopo Tasyo contributes to the portrayal of her mental distress and emphasizes the impact of societal injustices on individuals.
* Community and Filipinos: Sisa's relationship with the community and fellow Filipinos is characterized by empathy and shared struggles. Sisa represents the suffering and exploitation endured by many Filipinos under Spanish colonial rule. Her plight serves as a reflection of the broader social issues faced by the Filipino people during that time.