"Dona Marina," as known by the Spaniards, Malinche was both a heroine and a traitor to some people.  The Natives thought of her as a the traitors because she helped the Spanish.  In fact, though, she saved the natives from total annihilation.
 

By negotiating for Cortes, Malinche keep the Spaniards from slaughtering the Natives because they couldn't understand their language.  He could of easily been frustrated by his lack of communication.  Also, by translating for the Spaniards, she tried to convert the Aztecs to Christianity, which would of ended human sacrifice.  She also endured the hardships of being deflowered by Cortes, also.