Rather than a character in this novel, food seems more of an extension of Tita's character. It expresses the emotions and desires that Tita cannot. Her longing for Pedro is expressed in the wedding cake disaster, her desire for him through her sister and the rose petals, and her cheerfulness through the food at the party. Tita is trapped by her mother and by convention, and the only way she can express herself is through her cooking. Though the people eating her food don't realize it, they are understanding Tita through her food; they feel what she feels, and when they eat is the only time that happens.