Draft:Letty Ortiz

Leticia "Letty" Ortiz-Toretto is a fictional character in the "Fast & Furious" film franchise. Born as Leticia Ortiz and portrayed by Michelle Rodriguez, She is married to Dominic Toretto, sister in-law to Jakob and Mia Toretto, aunt of Jack O'Conner and a niece, daughter-in-law of Jack Toretto and stepmother of Brian Marcos. She is also a highly skilled street racer and mechanic.

Appearances
Letty is a highly skilled street racer, mechanic, and a key member of Dominic Toretto's crew, often engaging in illegal street racing and various missions alongside her fellow crew members.

Her character's storyline is characterized by a mix of street-smart toughness and loyalty to her friends. Throughout the "Fast & Furious" series, Letty faces various challenges, including amnesia and presumed death at one point. She has a complex relationship with Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, and their connection is a central element of the narrative.

Letty's journey involves both personal and professional growth, and her character contributes significantly to the overall dynamics of the "Fast & Furious" films. The franchise explores her resilience, skills behind the wheel, and her unwavering commitment to her chosen family within the crew.

Development
The character Letty Ortiz was created by screenwriter Gary Scott Thompson. He is credited with developing the characters and the storyline for the first film in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, "The Fast and the Furious," where Letty Ortiz made her debut.

Fast Furious
Letty is known for her badass persona and the iconic cars she has driven throughout the franchise. From her first appearance in "The Fast and the Furious" (2001), where she piloted a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, to her high-octane escapades in "F9: The Fast Saga" (2021), Letty has become synonymous with sleek and powerful rides.

In "Fast & Furious" (2009), Letty showcased her skills behind the wheel of a 1973 Jensen Interceptor. The adrenaline-fueled "Fast Five" (2011) saw her handling a 2010 Dodge Charger, emphasizing her ability to command muscle cars with finesse. The stakes rose in "Fast & Furious 6" (2013), where Letty took control of a 2012 Jensen Interceptor SP. This film also marked her return to the series after a presumed demise.

Letty's journey continued in "Furious 7" (2015), where she navigated a 2014 Dodge Challenger. The film paid tribute to Paul Walker, adding an emotional layer to Letty's character. In "F9: The Fast Saga" (2021), Letty's adventurous spirit shone once again as she handled a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody.

Across the Fast & Furious saga, Letty Ortiz's presence has been defined not just by her resilience and loyalty but also by the roaring engines of the remarkable cars she's driven, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's high-speed legacy.

Film appearances
The Fast and the Furious
 * The Fast and the Furious
 * The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious
 * 2 Fast 2 Furious
 * Fast & Furious
 * Fast Five
 * Fast & Furious 6
 * Furious 7
 * Fast X (flashback)

Cars driven

 * 1997 Nissan 240SX, first film
 * 1995 Honda Civic, first film
 * 1973 Plymouth Road Runner, fourth film
 * 1973 Jensen Interceptor, sixth film
 * 1974 Plymouth Barracuda, seventh film
 * 2015 Dodge Challenger, seventh film
 * 2010 Dodge Viper, seventh film
 * 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, eighth film
 * 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, eighth film
 * 1966 Chevrolet Corvette (C2), eighth film
 * Local Motors Rally Fighter, eighth film
 * 1974 Chevy Nova SS, ninth film
 * Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron, ninth

Reception
Michelle Rodriguez confirmed her return for the ninth installment only after negotiating the inclusion of a female writer on the production team. She expressing a desire for more representation and a female perspective, had previously stated her intention to walk away from the franchise without advancements in female involvement.

Letty Ortiz's integral role in the Fast & Furious saga, marked by her apparent death and subsequent resurrection, has contributed to the franchise's intricate mythology. Fast Five's post-credits twist, revealing her survival, added depth to the storyline. The unfolding narrative in subsequent films, particularly Fast & Furious 6, showcased Letty's journey from amnesia-induced allegiance to Owen Shaw to her eventual liberation. This complex storyline resonated well with fans and critics alike, as it brought emotional depth and unexpected twists. The trend of faked deaths, exemplified by Letty, continued with characters like Han, whose return in F9 received both intrigue and casual dismissal. Gisele's surprising reappearance in Fast X further fueled anticipation and raised questions about the franchise's willingness to challenge established character fates. As The Fast & Furious series evolves, the potential for more characters, including Jakob Toretto, to undergo the fake-death treatment keeps audiences eagerly anticipating future developments.