Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Grandma Dowdel

Grandma Dowdel definitely acts as a guide to Joey and Mary Alice as they grow up over the years. She's not overbearing and doesn't explicitly state that she's imparting wisdom upon them, but she allows them to reach their own decisions and grow up as they want—which is even more important to their development.

And on top of that, she gives them a model for a strong woman who lives by her principles, and she always helps those who are in dire straits.