ExpositionEsperanza lived at El Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico with her father , mother, and grandmother. They owned the land and were very wealthy. She was about to celebrate her 13th birthday and loved her life.
ConflictEsperanza's father was killed by bandits who were angry at land owners. Tio Luis was going to force Esperanza's mother to marry him and burns down their ranch and vineyard. They must secretly move to the US along with Hortensia, Alfonso, and Miguel but have to leave Abuelita behind.
Rising ActionEsperanza does not adjust well to her new life. When Mama gets very sick she must work in the fields to support them and save money to get Abuelita to them.
ClimaxEsperanza tells Miguel she no longer has hope for the future and gets angry at him. The next day, he disappears and takes all the money Esperanza had been saving with him.
Falling ActionMama is able to come home from the hospital. Esperanza is surprised to find out that Miguel used her money to go to Mexico to bring Abuelita to her.
ResolutionEsperanza, her mother, and grandmother are all together again. Esperanza celebrates her birthday for the first time after Papa's death. She now has hope for the future.