Rizal portrayed several important female characters in Noli Me Tangere. María Clara was depicted as kind-hearted, religious, and pure in her love for Ibarra. Sisa was a tragic character, struggling with poverty and abuse while missing her sons. Doña Victorina cared deeply about her social image but was past her prime. She encouraged matches between María Clara and other men. Salome was portrayed as dignified and self-reliant in how she lived independently despite poverty. These characters demonstrated Rizal challenging the impression that women were weak and instead showing their strength and importance in society.