Maria Alvarez is a character in the 2006 Western action-comedy film "Bandidas". She is portrayed by Penélope Cruz. Maria is a poor Mexican peasant who lives in a small village with her father and siblings. She is forced to become a bank robber after her father is killed and their land is seized by a wealthy and corrupt businessman named Tyler Jackson, played by Dwight Yoakam.
Maria meets another bank robber named Sara Sandoval, played by Salma Hayek, who is the daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman. The two women team up to take down Jackson and his gang and to seek revenge for Maria's father's death.
Maria is initially portrayed as naive and inexperienced, but she quickly learns the skills she needs to become a successful bank robber. She is also depicted as a strong and determined woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family and her community.
Throughout the film, Maria and Sara develop a close friendship and work together to overcome various obstacles. The film is notable for featuring two female leads in a genre that is typically male-dominated, and for portraying women as strong and capable characters who are able to take control of their own destinies.