María Isabel (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈɾi.ajsaˈβel]) is a Mexican television drama series broadcast by Canal de Las Estrellas. Directed by Miguel Córcega and Mónica Miguel, it stars Adela Noriega, Fernando Carrillo, Lorena Herrera and Rafael Rojas. It aired from August 4, 1997 to February 6, 1998, replacing La jaula de oro and was replaced by La usurpadora. María Isabel, is one of the few telenovelas that focuses on the life of an indigenous female protagonist and her community. The story was written by Yolanda Vargas Dulché and adapted by René Muñoz.
Plot
María Isabel is a young woman of indigenous descent, who takes responsibility for raising Rosa Isela, the orphaned daughter of her deceased friend.
She finds work in the household of Ricardo Mendiola, a wealthy widower who lives with his young daughter, Gloria. María Isabel falls in love with Ricardo but conceals her feelings for several years.
Influenced by Gloria, Rosa Isela becomes ashamed of María Isabel's indigenous background and eventually leaves her to live with her wealthy grandfather. Ricardo later realises that he has fallen in love with María Isabel and asks her to marry him. After their marriage, the couple face a series of difficulties that threaten their relationship and family life.