Mexico’s Ana Brenda Contreras says the character she plays in the Univision telenovela “La que no podia amar” is the strongest of her career so far.

The 26-year-old actress portrays protagonist Ana Paula, a brave, honest and hardworking nurse.

“All the characters you play leave you with something,” Contreras told Efe. “Ana Paula taught me to take a stand, to be stronger, braver.”

“The elements of the typical romance story remain in place, but the character of the heroine has changed. She’s no longer the innocent girl of before, who waits for a man to give her a place,” the actress said.

“In the case of Ana Paula, for example, she is a woman who men want to save, but what’s interesting is that she can save herself,” Contreras added.

Ana Brenda Contreras began her career in 2005 with a part alongside Aaron Diaz in the telenovela “Barrera de amor,” before a stint on “Juro que te amo” and a role as the villain in the 2009 series “Sortilegio.”

“The villains are more entertaining, because they’re always causing commotion, flirting, scheming,” the actress said. “But I like the role of a real woman. The heroine is the greater challenge.”