Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Jorge

Forget the fact that Jorge was a pretty miserable husband. For most of this book, he's a spiritual guide for his daughter, Lourdes. He also (conveniently) provides business advice and generally keeps Lourdes motivated and on track. It's Jorge who urges Lourdes to return to Cuba "to do what must be done" and to make peace with her mother, and Jorge who comforts her when she is lonely or having a bad parenting day. This role is not entirely different from the one he played when Lourdes was a child: he favored her and "saved" her from the indifference of Celia.