Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Old Man Marley

Is this guy a mentor? Sort of.

Kevin doesn't really have a mentor, and learns how to survive on his own through trial and error. He conquers his own fear of the basement by accessing his inner hero, for one thing, and by the time he meets Marley, he's able to impart some wise lessons of his own.

Yet, at the same time, Marley does help Kevin, and he has some true things to say like, "You're never too old to be afraid." Principally, Marley helps Kevin learn to distrust appearances—Marley's not actually a serial killer, that's just a dumb rumor Buzz helped spread. He also provides crucial aid to Kevin at the end, intervening to save him when the burglars finally catch Kevin.