What is the role of mario in The World Is An Apple?

In "The World Is An Apple" by Alberto S. Florentino, Mario serves as a central character who embodies the struggles of poverty and aspiration. He is a man grappling with the harsh realities of his life while trying to provide for his family. His conflict with the societal issues surrounding him highlights themes of desperation, moral choices, and the desire for a better life, ultimately reflecting the broader human experience of striving against adversity. Through Mario, the play explores the tension between dreams and the harshness of reality.