'OITNB' Character Profile: Miss Rosa

Though reasonably quiet throughout the first season, Miss Rosa Cisneros (Barbara Rosenblat) steals the show in season 2’s “Appropriately Sized Pots.” Through flashbacks in the season’s eighth episode, we learn about Rosa’s life as a bank robber, which ultimately landed her in Litchfield Penitentiary. We’re introduced to a young Rosa, played wonderfully by Stephanie Andujar, who’s in love with the thrill of robbing banks and the smell of money. Back then, Rosa was a member of a four-man robbing crew after being introduced to robbery by her boyfriend Marco (Alfredo De Quesada) who tells her they must kiss before and after a robbery. She believes she’s cursed because all of the men she kisses post-robbery die. The only member of the group to survive is Tony, who she doesn’t kiss after a robbery because she finally gets arrested.

Rosa became one of the most fascinating characters because she’s quiet, but doesn’t let anyone push her around. She doesn’t speak of her past to many, though she has great stories to tell. The depth of Rosa’s character is finally revealed when she befriends the young boy who’s also getting chemotherapy in the hospital. For once, Rosa opens up as she tells the boy her bank robbing stories, which sound like they’re straight out of a famous movie. At the boy’s request, she forms a plan for them to steal one of the nurse’s wallets. The boy is ecstatic and obviously loves spending time with Rosa. Later, as one of the correctional officers brings her out of the hospital, Rosa sees the boy crying with his mom. Her first thought is that her curse brought death to another male in her life and we see true sadness and guilt in her eyes – something we never see when she speaks about her life of crime. When she learns that the boy is in remission, Rosa’s eyes sparkle and a smile forms on her lips. To keep her tough exterior, Rosa makes fun of the boy lovingly as she leaves, but the audience knows how kind Rosa can be.

The shining moment of season 2 has to be Rosa’s escape from prison. Though she did commit crimes, it’s good to see how free and joyful Rosa looks as she cruises down the road.

Rosenblat is really convincing as Rosa and really makes viewers form an attachment to the character. Her subtly makes the character great; she lets the story give the viewer excitement rather than overacting to sell the story. Overall, Rosa is one of the best characters, though she isn’t one of the best known.

– Jennifer Hogan

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