Enrique Character Analysis in Zoot Suit

Enrique is Henry’s father. When Henry is in prison, Enrique and his wife, Dolores, take in Henry’s girlfriend, Della, because her parents kicked her out. During this time, Enrique tells Della that Henry will marry her when he gets out of prison—a statement that causes some awkward tension when Henry comes home and has to choose between Della and Alice. At the very end of the play, Enrique stops Henry from leaving the house when he hears that several police officers are trying to arrest Joey. Not wanting his son to be wrongfully arrested once again, he stands in Henry’s way and even pushes him to the ground. For a moment, Henry considers hitting Enrique, but then he backs down, knowing he could never do such a thing to his own father.

Enrique Character Timeline in Zoot Suit

The timeline below shows where the character Enrique appears in Zoot Suit. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Self-Presentation and Cultural Identity Theme Icon

...takes issue with Lupe’s outfit, saying that her skirt is too short. When Henry’s father, Enrique, enters, he agrees with Dolores’s assessment, incensed that Lupe would even try to wear such... (full context)

As Henry, Della, Lupe, and Rudy leave, Enrique tells Henry not to let his brother drink beer, but Rudy insists that he can... (full context)

...other members of the 38th Street Gang, all of whom have come to Dolores and Enrique’s house for a celebration. Rudy tells Henry that he came home from Hawaii just to... (full context)

...her to either forget about him or move out, so she came to live with Enrique and Dolores. Della then tells Henry that she thinks his parents expect them to get... (full context)

...time to think, clearly wanting everyone to stop bombarding him with questions. At this point, Enrique enters and admits that he told Della that Henry would marry her. (full context)

...his wife are moving away from Los Angeles and away from the 38th Street Gang. Enrique tells Henry to focus on his family. Dolores tells Henry to forget about zoot suits.... (full context)

...father stands in his way, ordering him to stay put. When Henry doesn’t stand down, Enrique pushes him to the floor. Upon rising, Henry prepares to hit his father but quickly... (full context)