The stealthy way in which Julia Alvarez formulates her narrative is through a multitude of characters who experience fear and intimidation from the Dominican Republic dictator El Jefe, however it is better known as Rafael Trujillo. Alvarez breaks the story into three different sections where Dede, one of the Mirabal sisters and the only survivor of the Trujillo administration, discussed the past, the present, and the time period before Trujillo killed the Mirabal sisters. Alvarez used many different themes to show the true colors of the history of the Dominican Republic. This story is articulated from many different perspectives, but primarily through Dede's words and his narration. However, at the same time there were underlying themes that helped explain the fear instilled in the characters. While there were many different themes residing in “In the Time of Butterflies,” the ideas of fear, intimidation, and courage all outline the history of the Dominican Republic. One idea that cannot be ignored is how Trujillo was undeniably compared to a hierarchical system. figure of God. Trujillo's reign spread into the lives of many characters. Some of the characters in the story did not fully believe in what Trujillo was capable of doing to the people of the Dominican Republic. His authoritative and almost fascistic style of government leads readers to believe that he was attempting to take on the character of God. Trujillo was always observing indirectly through the numerous spies, so when something went wrong, security was there and ready to discipline the population . This notion allowed readers to see Trujillo as a divine figure. Sure enough, there was a photo hanging in front of Mom's house and a photo of Trujillo... in the center of the paper... from the Trujillo era period of Dominican Republic history. Although this book is a text of fiction, there are many aspects of this book that are true to the Dominican Republic. Rafael Leonidas Trujillo was a real figure and was a fascist leader for the Dominican Republic. He was brutal in his actions and created the SIM (Military Intelligence Service), which would control the press and create a climate of fear. Alvarez discusses this indirectly with the spies and other factors who implemented the logic of fear in the characters. Trujillo was responsible for keeping money from the people and causing most of the masses to be poor throughout the Dominican Republic. All in all, Alvarez does a fantastic job of portraying the reality of what the Dominican Republic was truly like through the themes of fear, intimidation, and courage..