Mama Elena is a central character in the novel "Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquivel. She is the matriarch of the De la Garza family and is known for her strong will and traditional values. Mama Elena enforces strict family rules, particularly regarding her daughter Tita, who is forbidden to marry due to family customs. Mama Elena's character embodies the themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle against societal expectations. Her authoritative nature often leads to conflict within the family, especially with Tita, whose passion for cooking and desire for independence clash with Mama Elena's rigid beliefs.