"Out of difficulties grow miracles." This quote by Jean de la Bruyere applies to the struggle that the Butterflies went through in order to reach an extraordinary goal. The Butterflies are three sisters who battled for justice, rising up against their government in order to defend their rights in an effort to help the entire country. They suffered through many expenses as they went on to signify the rebellion against Trujillo. Stripped of their identities, they became the face of something life changing. Patria, the oldest of the Butterflies, transforms from an individual and into a martyr, someone who gives up something meaningful to them in order to serve a cause. She refuses to let her vendettas stop her from doing what is right. In Julia Alvares's historical novel, "In the Time of Butterflies,"Patria is characterized as both an individual and a martyr.

Butterfly number three, also known as Patria Mercedes Mirabal, is the third Mirabal sister to join the revolution. She is the eldest of the sisters. She marries Pedrito who she eventually has three sons with named Nelson, Noris and Raul. Patria's originality is expressed through the fact that she has a very family-oriented personality. Putting her family first no matter the consequences, she gives up her land in order to save her son from prison. Dangerous risks are taken in order to ensure her family's well being: "Hear my cry, Jefe. Release my sisters and their husbands and mine. But most especially, I beg you, oh Jefe, give me my son. Take me instead" (Alvarez 203).

Patria is willing to sacrifice herself if that is what it will take to get her son back. Her undying love for her family is what makes her who she is as her own defining entity.

Patria holds her religion particularly close to her heart. She studied her beliefs continuously, "'I pray at all times to know His will so it can be done'" (Alvarez 46). Patria's religious devotion is what made her unique from the rest of her sisters. Even while active in the revolution her religious obligations were taken seriously. She discovered that her faith weighed heaviest on the balance at an early age. When lost or unsure of a situation she prayed for guidance, "Open up! Help me, God! And he would let you inside" (Alvarez 154). For Patria religion was also like a net that was there to catch her when she fell. Throughout all the burdens and sacrifices she managed to maintain a grasp on her faith. It was one of the most essential assets in her struggle to sustain courage and persevere.

While on a religious retreat in the mountains, Patria bears witness to the massacre of young rebels. One of them, the same age that her stillborn would have been, is shot down right before her eyes. She immediately experiences an epiphany as she comes to the realization that the rebels are just like her sons, whom she holds dearest to her. "Coming down that mountain I was a changed woman. I may have worn the same sweet face, but now I was carrying not just my child but that dead boy as well" (Alvarez 162). This reflects her family-oriented personality. Just the mere thought of her son meeting the same fate as the boy caused her grief. As a result, she becomes certain about joining the rebellion so that she can protect her loved ones.In the endeavor against the regime, Patria has no choice but to give up her land. In order to liberate her son from imprisonment, she seeks help from Pena causing her to make a necessary sacrifice — "I wanted him to understand that I knew he had taken our land" (Alvarez 217). Patria's sincere commitment to her family is what gives her the means to be content with her decisions. Understanding her resolve to give up anything for her family, she loses her land so that she can free her son. Patria is comprised of all the defining qualities of a martyr. She suffered many afflictions in order to stay loyal to the Butterfly cause. Her husband, son and land were taken away from her, but these impediments are what make her a symbol of the cause and a motivation to many. She is no longer regarded as a sole being but as a depiction of something greater. Patria is portrayed as an individual and a martyr in the novel. The death of the Mirabal sisters is not in vain. Their courageous defiance's against a corrupt government and endeavors in supporting the rebellion are what make the Butterflies an undying inspiration. Despite death they left a lingering influence on the Dominican Republic and its inhabitants.