Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Charlemagne

So if Charlemagne is not the protagonist, he has to be slotted into the guide/mentor category. With his white beard, years of military and government experience, and talent for dreaming about the future, he influences Roland by example rather than direct advice. Roland fights so hard because he reveres his uncle and the France he heads.

Oliver

In contrast to Charlemagne, Oliver is not a silent statue of wise experience. This guy has opinions and delivers them. When Roland refuses to blow the oliphant, Oliver builds a strong argument to prove him wrong, claiming that honor lies in good sense rather than dumb courage. But because Oliver is a friend as well as a guide, when Roland doesn't listen, he fights valiantly at his side.