Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Just Al

There's no true mentor character in godless, a lá Yoda to Luke Skywalker, but as the leader of the Teen Power Outreach meetings, Just Al is well positioned to be a spiritual advisor to Jason. But Jason rejects this, preferring to bait Just AL and mentally reduce him to a salesman—of cars and of Catholicism. A big part of Jason's struggle in this book results from having lost his faith, which used to offer guidance.

Mr. Bock

Mr. Bock tries to provide spiritual guidance to Jason through sharing his own experiences, lecturing, and giving Jason books to read. He is only ever slightly successful though, and it can be argued that it is actually his letting go of control over Jason and recognizing him as a young adult capable of following his own path that prompts Jason to see his dad more completely and come to respect his faith.