Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

James K. Lewis

Even though M.C. is the one who leads James up and down Sarah's Mountain, James is the one who tells M.C. and M.C.'s family the truth about the spoil-heap, even though not everyone (like Jones) is willing to hear the truth. M.C. follows James's lead and stands up to his father with the truth, even if M.C. doesn't do exactly what James suggests (James thinks they should leave, but M.C. decides to try and save the home).

Lurhetta Outlaw

Ben may not get Lurhetta in the end as his girlfriend, but she's way more influential than just a typical girlfriend-type. Because she's older and worldlier, she guides M.C. to be a better guy. He becomes someone who's more respectful to girls—if nothing else, he learns that jumping on them and stealing kisses without their permission isn't okay—and also someone who learns not to be prejudiced against someone for his physical differences. Plus, Lurhetta's knife literally guides M.C. to the idea of building a wall. You don't get more mentor-like than that.