Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Nature

Ah, nature—Dillard's chosen companion for her year living by Tinker Creek. And, as her companion, nature is also her teacher. Nature is what guides Dillard away from an either/or understanding of her old cat and into a both/and understanding (more on that over in the "Symbols" section), it's what helps her make sense of the duality of life and death and their unending connectedness. Nature shows her the machinations of the world, transforming Dillard along the way.