Rafael Trujillo's rule over the Dominican Republic is considered one of the bloodiest periods in history. Responsible for the deaths of over 30,000 people, Trujillo became infamous for his tyrannical reign. The four Mirabal sisters, Patria, Dedé, Minerva and Maria Teresa, along with friends and family, were activists in the revolution to overthrow Trujillo. Affected by her harsh dictatorship, the changes in Maria Teresa's character are evident in Julia Alvarez's Time for Butterflies. Although Maria Teresa's caution and sensitivity remain constant throughout the Trujillo-era revolution, her consideration for others weakens. Living in a dangerous time, Maria Teresa's caution develops further as Trujillo's reign grows stronger. Growing up, Maria Teresa is very cautious about her actions and her people. After seeing her sisters and mother struggle with their relationships with men, she becomes cautious and careful around men. He admits in his diary on January 10, 1954, “I know that I am looking very hard around me before I close my eyes and fall in love with true love” (Alvarez 123). For fear of getting hurt, Maria Teresa refuses to devote herself to a man before she is certain that she is free from danger. Later in his life, he would apply this philosophy to the revolution and to Trujillo. While in prison, he only writes in his diary at certain times to ensure his safety from prison guards and SIM. He shares in his diary on April 2, 1960, “As a result, there were extra guards patrolling the corridor outside the cell, so I did not dare write until this evening” (Alvarez 237). Maria Teresa is not only worried about her own safety, but is careful not to act against Trujillo's agents. She is fully aware that any mistake she will make... middle of paper...... Evidently, Maria Teresa is selfish and fails to recognize her sister's courageous act in the hope of gaining freedom. By focusing on her own freedom and security, Maria Teresa loses sight of the kind consideration she developed in her childhood. Maria Teresa's prudence and sensitivity remain constant throughout the revolution, while her consideration for others changes. Maria Teresa is extremely careful throughout her life, starting from her relationships with men, and then pushing her towards her revolutionary abilities. His emotional fragility is responsible for his numerous breakdowns, both major and minor, throughout his life. When Maria Teresa is imprisoned, she loses sight of her consideration and focuses on returning home. Although her life was cut short due to a tyrannical leader, Maria Teresa Mirabal left her mark in history as a strong and beautiful butterfly.