Mr. Ingman Character Analysis in I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Julia’s senior-year English teacher. Mr. Ingman sees real promise in Julia, and becomes dedicated to helping her apply to colleges and harness her painful experiences into college essays that demonstrate the heart of who she is. Mr. Ingman is attuned to Julia’s moods, and tries talk to her and help her to find a counselor when he senses that her mental health is in decline—but the stubborn Julia at first refuses his attempts to get closer to her.

Mr. Ingman Character Timeline in I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Ingman appears in I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...really enjoys or succeeds in is English, which is taught by the “dorky” but kind Mr. Ingman . Mr. Ingman encourages the students to think about how they express themselves through language—and... (full context)

...and shares none of her feelings with her parents or Lorena. One day, after class, Mr. Ingman pulls Julia aside to ask if everything’s okay. She insists she’s fine, but feels tears... (full context)

...her period a week early, which she sees as punishment for lying about it to Mr. Ingman . (full context)

...sits down and pulls out Camus’s The Stranger. She gets lost in the book until Mr. Ingman approaches her and asks her about what she’s reading. When she reveals the book is... (full context)

...summer break, Julia starts the fall semester of her senior year off by meeting with Mr. Ingman every Thursday after school so that he can help her to prepare for standardized tests... (full context)

Family, Immigrant Cultural Identity, and the Self Theme Icon

As Julia writes her admissions essays, Mr. Ingman encourages her to play up the fact that her parents are undocumented immigrants. Julia is... (full context)

...make it through a day without taking a crying break in the bathroom. Lorena and Mr. Ingman have expressed concern about Julia’s mental state, but she doesn’t know how to explain what... (full context)

Amá tells Julia that Mr. Ingman called the house last week and said he was worried about Julia and her whereabouts.... (full context)

A lot has happened since Julia left for Mexico. Juanga has a new boyfriend, Mr. Ingman is engaged to another teacher, and Lorena has missed her period—and believes she’s pregnant. After... (full context)

...sister—were not able to make for themselves, and in fact wrote her college essay (at Mr. Ingman ’s suggestion) about how her drive to succeed in life was connected to her responsibility... (full context)