Diana Savas Character Analysis in The Distance Between Us

One of Reyna’s teachers at Pasadena City College who becomes her friend and mentor, and takes her in when Natalio’s abuse becomes unbearable. Diana believes in Reyna’s talent as a writer and gives her many books by Latina writers to read. With Diana’s love and care, Reyna begins to understand her worth, and with Diana’s encouragement, Reyna applies to prestigious schools, scholarship programs, and writing contests that allow her to see her own potential as a writer and scholar.

Diana Savas Character Timeline in The Distance Between Us

The timeline below shows where the character Diana Savas appears in The Distance Between Us. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...that is part of the requirements for transfer to a four-year college. Her instructor is Diana Savas, a Greek-American woman who speaks Spanish. The first assignment Savas gives to the class... (full context)

The following semester, even though Reyna isn’t taking one of Dr. Savas ’s class, she stops by the professor’s office to say hello. Dr. Savas gives Reyna... (full context)

Reyna visits Dr. Savas more and more frequently. They never talk about personal matters—just about books and writing. Sometimes... (full context)

...goes to Dr. Savas’s office and at last confesses the truth about her home life. Diana listens carefully, and then offers Reyna the chance to come live with her in her... (full context)

As Reyna explores Diana’s extensive library of books, she finds solace in stories and novels by Latina authors, such... (full context)

Reyna stays at Diana’s house for the last few days before her trip up to UC Santa Cruz. Carlos... (full context)

Reyna’s boyfriend Edwin picks her up from Diana’s to drive her up to UC Santa Cruz. On the drive, Edwin tells her how... (full context)

...of a school tradition, Reyna writes an essay about the teacher who has most inspired her—Diana. Reyna’s essay is chosen to be read aloud at graduation, and Diana flies up for... (full context)

...for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She hopes to be an inspirational teacher, like Diana. She teaches immigrant children and finds that, like her, all of the children she teaches... (full context)