Initial State:
* Isolated and Distrustful: She is initially portrayed as a solitary and suspicious character, wary of the other community members and their motives.
* Alienated and Unsure: Her family's recent move to the city leaves her feeling out of place and disconnected.
* Resistant to Change: She is resistant to participating in the community garden project, reflecting her general reluctance to engage with new experiences.
Transformation:
* Awakened Curiosity: The garden's progress piques her interest and she starts to observe it, questioning the choices of the other gardeners and even starting to help out.
* Developing Connections: Her relationship with Kim, who shares her passion for gardening, helps Maricela to connect with others and feel accepted.
* Discovering Identity: The garden becomes a source of solace and self-discovery for Maricela. She finds a sense of purpose and belonging through her connection to the earth and the community.
Final State:
* Active Participant: Maricela becomes an integral part of the garden project, showing initiative and dedication.
* Open to Connection: She sheds her initial defensiveness and develops genuine friendships with other gardeners, particularly with Kim.
* Empowered and Self-Assured: She realizes her own strength and resilience, finding confidence and self-worth through her gardening experience.
Overall: Maricela's journey in "Seedfolks" is about overcoming her initial resistance to embrace connection, growth, and community. The garden becomes a catalyst for her personal transformation, leading her from isolation and distrust to a place of belonging, self-discovery, and empowerment.