Marta is the protagonist of the story ‘The Scholarship Jacket’. She faces problems of both financial struggle and social discrimination. However, she faces situations by virtue of her character. She is a firm, bold and audacious girl with sense of dignity and power of expressiveness though realistic and composed.

Marta demonstrates sense of dignity and hence she is sensitive to insult and discrimination. She knows that she deserves the scholarship jacket and she wants it. She is quick to feel the politics of its denial. This causes rightful anger and pain in her.

But her character is firm and tough, a little above the level of her age. She is able to see what is possible, to decide accordingly and to behave as per her decisions. For instance, she is able to determine how she should speak to the principal and she practices what she decides. She is not carried by the power of his office. She is able to appreciate the conditions of her guardian and temper her behaviors accordingly.

Marta is both emotional and intelligent and has the strength of character to express both in controlled by clear ways. She is realistic in her wishes and knows what she deserves. She feels deeply hurt when she loses it. Even though composed and disciplined, she finds ways to express her mind to others. It is true that when her grandfather says that if she pays, it won’t be a scholarship jacket. But, she had revealed her wish to her grandfather effectively. She cries her emotions out. Another important aspect of her character is her boldness and audacity. The real turning point is created by her straight speech to the principal. She informs the decision and its reason in polite, but clear sharp words. She even hints at the foul play plotted against her. This bold speech was instrumental in changing the principal’s decision.