- It's my vision. It's my gift to my daughters. It's mine. It's the first thing, actually, that's truly mine. I didn't marry it, I didn't steal it – I made it!
- — Petra about The Marbella[1]
Petra is a principal character on Jane the Virgin. She is portrayed by Yael Grobglas.
Character
Petra Andel is really Natalia, a street violinist from Olomouc, Czech Republic. She fled her home country with her mother in 2009 to escape her criminal ex-boyfriend, Miloš[2] after her mother was attacked by him and came to the U.S. where she met and got engaged to Lachlan Moore[3]. She left her fiancé for Rafael Solano, who she fell in love with and is now divorced from, following an affair with his former friend[4].
Petra is cunning, bright and resourceful, but most of her choices are informed by her feelings of guilt and indebtedness to her mother, who keeps secrets from Petra[2][5] and berates her[6]. These choices have led Petra to be involved in her mother's criminal activities. In reality, Petra was a sweet and somewhat innocent woman when she was young and now wants better for herself in life[7]. In 2020, Petra is the successful co-owner behind the rebranding of The Marbella and mother of two angelic 4-year-old twin daughters.[8]
Season 1
Petra tries everything to keep Rafael from divorcing her[4], but to not after he discovers her affair with Roman, which cements Rafael's decision to divorce[3]. Petra even tries to bring up their past together, when they were expecting a baby, to reconnect with Rafael[9]. Following his rejection, Petra goes on a downward trajectory of schemes to get back at Rafael, including trying to frame him for domestic abuse[10], getting him demoted by his father by revealing that Rafael underwrote Luisa's malpractice insurance, sabotaging Rafael's romance with Jane by hiring an escort[11] and making a claim on Rafael and Jane's child[2].
After Jane and Rafael team up to get her out of their lives and discover her true identity, Petra gives up and wants to move on with her life[2]. However, she is in a bind money-wise as she still has to pay off Ivan, whom she and her mother take hostage[10]. After Ivan's escape during the hurricane[12], Petra starts to fear for her life as she expects Ivan will have gone to Milos to tell him where Petra is. Petra enlists the help of Lachlan and they start up a romance again, which Petra seems to enjoy only for Lachlan to dump her, citing her past treatment of him and that he wanted to get back at her[13].
Thinking everything's lost, Miloš offers to buy Petra a third of The Marbella[13] and Petra gains temporary voting power of Luisa's shares as well, giving her ruling power at The Marbella[14]. Petra works hard at rectifying the damage done to the reputation of the hotel all the while getting closer to Roman Zazo's twin brother Aaron, who has temporary refuge at The Marbella courtesy of Rafael[15]. After realizing that Aaron is really Roman, whom everyone believed to be dead, and he kidnaps her and she accidentally kills him, Petra needs comfort and invites her mother back into her life[16].
She even gets Magda a job at The Marbella, which prompts another direct confrontation with Jane, who wants Magda imprisoned following Alba's realization that Magda is the one who sent her to the hospital. Rafael begins making advances on Petra and, thinking they have another chance, she turns Magda into the police. Unexpectedly receiving a call that Rafael has another sample left, Petra collects it but does not tell Rafael when she overhears that he was flirting with her to get Magda imprisoned for Jane[17].
Season 2
After her self-insemination, due to Luisa assuring Petra Rafael does have feelings for her[18], Petra decides to keep the baby in agreement with Rafael[19], who later informs her that even if he's not with Jane, there is no chance that Petra and he will ever reunite[20]. Petra can finally move on with her life, but Miloš' return does not bode well as he tells Petra to marry him, as to provide legal cover for his illegal business[21]. During a sonogram, Petra is told she is having twin girls, which comes as a big surprise to everyone[5]. Petra's pregnancy is hard and she asks Jane to help her get Magda paroled so that Petra will have some support during her pregnancy[5], which is not made easier by her "husband's" grenade sales.
Magda and Petra conspire to have Miloš arrested upon his business travels to Prague and get rid of the grenades, but Magda has an accident and loses her right eye and hand. Ivan returns to threaten Magda and she kills him, leaving Petra involved in burying him[22]. Clearly, this puts undue stress on the pregnant mother-to-be and after telling Rafael everything, he helps her get Magda imprisoned for falsifying evidence[7]. Petra is now finally free from her mother's influence but is scared that she will lose the twins as she is put on bed rest. Luckily, Rafael is there to support her and the two have become friendly[23]. A moment of bad behavior comes back to haunt Petra when it jeopardizes business at The Marbella, and Petra recalls how she came to be with Rafael and how she has changed from who she was in the past. It is revealed that Petra and Magda plotted for Petra to become engaged to Lachlan, and Petra's leaving Lachlan for Rafael was only 'catching a bigger fish' in monetary terms.
However, she did fall in love with Rafael eventually and, in the present Rafael kisses Petra, but she stops it, fearing he is not over Jane[24]. Rafael goes to Petra again after being rejected by Jane, and Petra yet again rejects Rafael, saying she's nobody's second choice[25]. Though Petra still loves Rafael and Jane is her rival for his affections, the two women get closer as Petra's due date nears, Jane throwing Petra's baby shower[25]. Petra even tries to help Jane get back at Angelique Harper for plagiarising Jane, but her water breaks and Jane takes Petra to the hospital. With Rafael stuck in traffic, Jane helps Petra deliver the babies and Petra thanks her for being there.[26] Following her delivery, Petra immediately returns to work, finding it difficult to connect with her daughters[27]. She asks Jane to take her to a mommy class, only to feel attacked when the group starts worrying that Petra might suffer from postpartum depression.
Jane, feeling concerned, gives Petra the number of a doctor from one of the other moms, who dealt with postpartum and Petra talks to the psychologist. The doctor's need for family medical history leads Petra to an uncomfortable conversation with her own incarcerated mother, who dumps on Petra's abilities as a mother, which Petra, unfortunately, takes to heart[28]. A surprise defers Petra's woes momentarily when her twin sister Anežka shows up at The Marbella. Petra is stunned to learn that she has a sister and tries to find a place for the nervous Anežka in her life. Though they are very different, Petra is happy to have family in her life that she might have a real relationship with and is touched by Anezka's unwavering support of her. In a hurtful turn, Anežka reveals that she is scheming with Magda to sell Petra's share of the hotel and leave for a better life by putting Petra in a state of physical paralysis.
Season 3
Stuck in her body, Petra is forced to witness her sister's masquerade as Anežka pretends to be Petra and falls in love with Scott. Petra is also devastated to silently be witnessing what people have to say about her when she's not around/being portrayed by Anežka. Once a pressured Anežka is too late to administer the drug that keeps Petra paralyzed, Petra escapes and takes back her life. Petra breaks up with Scott, lets Rafael know that he slept with Anežka and puts up cameras in Rafael's suite to survey every move in her vicinity. Rafael eventually finds the cameras and realizes that Petra suffers from PTSD, promising to help her feel better.
Petra is also heartbroken that her girls, from whom she has been separated for so long, do not seem to recognize her. Although she wants to do anything she can to be their mother again, Petra is worried that they might never come around. Once Rafael reveals having hidden his father's stolen art to Petra, she tries to make the problem go away so Rafael doesn't have to serve prison time. Rafael is adamant that he wants to set an example for his children and tells Petra that he has faith in her ability to mother the twins when he's not around.
3 years later
Petra has worked tirelessly to rebrand The Marbella as a pirate-themed kids hotel while raising her daughters with Rafael and having family brunches with Jane and Mateo every Saturday since the passing of Micheal.
Relatives
Petra visits Anežka in jail
In 2016, Petra is shocked to learn of the existence of her twin sister, who grew up in an orphanage in the Czech Republic. Anežka is marred by her rough life, has a nervous disposition and survival instincts. Petra is somewhat embarrassed by her sister, yet protective and eventually comes to need Anezka's sisterly support. Unfortunately, this is a ruse concocted with an imprisoned Magda to get money (and eventually, for Anežka, Rafael). Anežka poisons Petra, who is left in paralysis[29], but after a few months, Petra escapes her prison and Anežka is thwarted. Meanwhile, Anežka falls in love with and marries Scott Archuletta, who knows many Solano family secrets and the two sisters seem to be eternal nemeses. In 2020, it is revealed that Petra actually is in touch with Anežka, and might actually be helping her (at least escape police inquiries).[30]
Petra facing off against Anežka & Magda
Magda is very unkind to and critical of Petra, calling her selfish and ungrateful[6]. Magda seems to have always plotted a better life for her and her daughter, telling Petra to speak English with her when they lived in the Czech Republic, so as to attract more tourists to Petra's violin performances and eventually be able to move to the U.S. (and get away from Miloš, which Petra does not know about)[21].
Petra never knew her father. The last time she saw him was as a baby, in 1984. Petra tells Jane that she will never forget what it felt like to lose someone, and never get to know her father[2]. As Ivan threatens Magda with secrets that Magda is keeping from Petra, it is possible that Petra's father is alive[5].
Romances
- Main article: Jane Ramos and Petra
Jane and Petra met when Jane Ramos was assigned to Petra's legal case about the murder of Petra's sister, Anežka. Jane came into this case believing that Petra was guilty, however, later she believes that she is not and tries her best to get Petra out of it. Petra starts to have feelings for Jane (having dreams of them kissing) and tries her best to hide her crush from JR. After Jane believed that they were being followed by the same people who left Jane the disposable cell phones to blackmail her, Jane kissed Petra in the parking garage to pretend as if Jane seduced Petra in order to use Petra to Jane's advantage. Petra enjoying her kiss with JR started to become closer with her. One night they sleep together, however, Jane states that it was a one-time thing, even going as far as to tell Petra that she wasn't her type. Jane later tells Petra that she as a date, and Petra follows her to see what her type really was. Petra watches them and chooses to leave, but she accidentally reverses back into the car behind her, and JR comes over to confront Petra of stalking her. Petra tells Jane how she truly feels for her and leaves. Later that night, JR comes to Petra's room and tells her that she enjoyed her, "Romantic gesture" and they kiss. Jane and Petra start to date and eventually, JR meets Petra's daughters and family (Jane and Rafael). During the season finale, JR finds out that Petra lied about her sister and it is revealed that Petra was the one who killed Anežka. Furious with the fact that she gave up her job to prove that Petra is innocent to the police, JR breaks up with Petra, and storms out. However, JR gets word from Petra's ex-assistant, Krishna, that someone is coming after Petra, JR goes back upstairs to find Petra only to find a figure holding a gun up at Petra. Jane shoots the figure, who turns out to be Miloš, Petra's ex-husband.
Despite their struggles, Petra and Jane manage to find their ways back to each other, and their relationship becomes stronger and stronger, and they were dating, until JR got a job offer in Houston, TX. JR needs a fresh start, after all the problems that occurred in Miami, and JR believes that the fresh start can't include Petra, and JR leaves Petra heartbroken.
- Main article: Chuck and Petra
Petra and Chuck meet when he buys The Fairwick Hotel and, buckling under the stress of rebranding The Marbella, Petra starts having what she calls 'hate-sex' with Chuck around summer 2019.[31] Although Petra claims to find Chuck repulsive, she genuinely likes him and has developed feelings for him. In turn, Chuck tells her he likes her and they try going on a real date, which is halted by the Miami PD's investigation into Scott's murder. Petra admits to Chuck that she moved Scott's remains over the property line to The Fairwick to avoid associating The Marbella with yet another heinous crime, which Chuck is understandably angry about. Although she's insecure and doubting herself, Petra decides to win Chuck back by apologizing and proving she belongs in his world by riding a mechanical bull.[30] She loses a front tooth and Chuck pays her a visit to reconcile.
- Main article: Petra and Rafael
Rafael and Petra met in 2010, when she was engaged to Lachlan and Rafael set his sights on Petra as revenge for not getting the position that Emilio gave to Lachlan[3]. As a result, Petra fell in love with Rafael and they married. In 2011, Petra got pregnant with a little boy[18] and Rafael considered putting his savings into renovating The Marbella[9]. Petra miscarried late-term[23] and Rafael was diagnosed with cancer in 2013[6]. Half-way through his treatment, Rafael realized what kind of life he was leading and fell out of love with Petra, wishing to divorce her[4]. He waited a year, however, and they divorced in 2014. In 2020, Rafael and Petra sleep together and Rafael develops feelings for her, but Petra has eyes only for her new man, Chuck.[30]
Petra and Lachlan presumably met sometime around 2009, as they were engaged in 2010.[3] Petra ended her engagement with Lachlan to be with Rafael Solano and later apologized to Lachlan for leaving him.[3] They started up a romance again in 2014 following Petra and Rafael's divorce, only for Lachlan to break up with Petra, citing her treatment of him and telling her that his actions now were payback for what she did[13]. Petra and Rafael end up working together against Lachlan (who presumably had hoped never to see Petra again) at The Marbella in 2015[32]. It is revealed later in the series that Petra never loved, but was using Lachlan for his money and wasn't 'seduced' by Rafael, but rather played into Rafael's bravado as he was the richer man in the equation, though Petra did eventually fall in love with Rafael[24].
Miloš Dvoracek
Miloš was Petra's first love and they dated around 2008. Miloš bought Petra an expensive violin for her busking performances and she was so head-over-heels she paid no notice to her mother's warnings about Miloš' criminal activities. Once Magda informed Petra that Miloš had cheated on her, she broke up with him and Miloš reciprocated by throwing acid at Magda, leaving Petra to fear him and flee the Czech Republic with her mother. Though Petra is afraid of Miloš, he helps bring forth the revelation that Magda can walk, and buys Petra a third of the Marbella to make amends. At least he says so but later returns to marry Petra in order to gain a tax shelter for his crimes, which mirrors their past relationship. Only this time, Petra knows what kind of person Miloš is and works with the Czech police to get Miloš arrested in Prague.
Past
Magda and Petra in Prague just before escaping to the U.S.
1984–1989
Petra and her mother were sent to live in West Germany during The Cold War by her father[2].
Following her break-up with Miloš he attacks Magda and Ivan provides Natalia with a new identity – Petra Andel. She and her mother flee to the U.S.[2].
Petra meets and gets engaged to Lachlan Moore[3], who works for The Maracay Group, owned by Emilio Solano. She leaves him for Rafael Solano, and they marry.
Petra is pregnant with a little boy[9]. Unfortunately, Petra has a late-term miscarriage[23]. It is probable Lachlan was actually the father.[24]
When Rafael finds out he has cancer, Petra stands by him during his treatment, but mid-way through his recovery, he falls out of love with her[6]. Despite this, she did cheat on him while he was sick.[33]
Trivia
- The real Petra Andel was born in 1989[2]. Natalia was born in 1984[28].
- Before their marriage, Rafael and Petra signed a prenup which entitled Petra to 10 million dollars if she and Rafael divorced after five years of marriage[6].
- Petra states, to who she believed to be Aaron Zazo, that she actually fell for Roman, but loved Rafael more[14].
- Petra was not hoodwinked by Rafael but pretended to be in order to marry someone with bigger funds than Lachlan[24].
- Petra is bisexual, as revealed to Miloš in Chapter Eighty-Two.
- Yael Grobglas was the first main cast member to be absent, for four episodes.
Episodes
SEASON 1 (20/20)
- All
SEASON 2 (22/22)
- All
SEASON 3 (18/20)[34]
- Chapter Forty-Five • Chapter Forty-Six • Chapter Forty-Eight • Chapter Forty-Nine • Chapter Fifty • Chapter Fifty-Two • Chapter Fifty-Three • Chapter Fifty-Four • Chapter Fifty-Five • Chapter Fifty-Six • Chapter Fifty-Seven • Chapter Fifty-Eight • Chapter Fifty-Nine • Chapter Sixty • Chapter Sixty-One • Chapter Sixty-Two • Chapter Sixty-Three • Chapter Sixty-Four
SEASON 4 (17/17)
- All
SEASON 5 (?/19)
- TBA
Photos
Notes and references
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