Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Arthur/Cobb

There isn't really a central guide or a wise mentor-type figure. However, Arthur and Cobb both serve as guides for us, as the audience, and Ariadne. This whole dream-sharing thing is pretty crazy and actually has a surprising number of rules.

Luckily, Arthur and Cobb show Ariadne the ropes and give us a nice bit of exposition at the same time.

Ariadne

In the world of dream sharing, Ariadne is guided, but she also acts as a guide herself when it comes to Cobb's relationship with projection Mal/his own subconscious.

Ariadne relives his memories with him and helps to free him from the guilt that is consuming him. Eventually she'll lead him into Limbo and to the final confrontation with projection Mal.