Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Shad

It makes sense that Jethro's schoolteacher would be his guide and mentor (it's kinda in the job description), but Shad goes above and beyond. Before he leaves for war, he spends some quality bro time with Jethro and lays the foundation for Jeth's understanding of the war. And the snazzy map that Shad draws (hop on over to the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section for more on that) is repeatedly used by Jethro and Jenny to follow—and make sense of—the war updates.

Shad literally leads the way for Jethro, even when he's off fighting. So it's no surprise when it's decided that Jethro will follow in the footsteps of Shad and receive a formal education.

Ross Milton

Ross Milton also gets in on the action of guiding young Jethro. And it's respect at first sight as "Jethro noticed that [Ross Milton's] voice was crisp and decisive, and that there was an air of assurance about him that set him apart from the other men" (5.70). Similar to Shad's map, the English book that Ross gives to Jethro not only helps Jeth learn to start speaking better, but also becomes a driving force behind Matt allowing Jethro to knock off school. Lucky.