Marissa is a cheerful and plain-spoken hin woman with blond hair often done up in various braids or pigtails. As Brandt's helper at the Homely Hearth, she is usually dressed in something practical, but accented with optimistic colors that compliment her violet eyes. Though she cleans, as well, Marissa's favorite place is in the kitchen, where she often sings tunelessly to herself as she works.

Attractive and slightly plump, Marissa's only visible flaw is the light line of an old scar that mars her face perpendicular to her right cheekbone, in contrast to her dusky skin.