Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Ty

We know what you're thinking: We just got done telling you that Ty is the antagonist, and now we're saying he's Gemma's mentor, too? If you think about it, though, it's true, and not just because there are only two central characters in this story.

Ty's efforts to teach Gemma how to live off the land and survive in the desert are ultimately part of what makes her come to love the place. He exposes her to new experiences like catching the camel, uses his art as an object lesson about the uniqueness and beauty of the desert, and serves as a guide by rescuing her after her failed escape attempt. Maybe he's not the most conventional mentor figure, but he definitely teaches her a thing or two that alters her worldview.