Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

The Professor

Although many children in the neighborhood fear the old man who runs the antiques shop, he's actually a kind-hearted soul—he just happens to keep to himself. The Professor lets the children play their Egypt Game in the abandoned yard on his property before he ever even talks to them, and at the end of the book, he gives them each a key to the yard so that they can continue to play and explore their imaginary worlds.

Plus, he steps in as the oracle to tell the kids where Marshall's stuffed octopus is hiding. If your mentor can't help you find hidden octopi, you may need to reconsider the kind of guidance you're getting.