Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Clarence Odbody, Mary

George lucks out by having an angel of a mentor—literally. Clarence plucks George out of the worst moment of his life and shows him the way back. He teaches him that life's meaning lies in friends and family, not riches. Of course, George knows that already, but it got lost in the fog of depression. Clarence instructs more through experience than through verbal advice, though he does offer some of that, too.

Mary isn't a mentor like Clarence, but she does teach George lessons that help him better appreciate his place in the world. She pulls him away from his unrealistic ambitions and helps him see the value of family life in Bedford Falls.