Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Juan Tomás

As Kino’s older brother, Juan provides help and support in times of need. He takes Kino and Juana in when their house is burned down, helps send them on their way to the capital, and gives the ever-helpful warning that the pearl is evil.

Juana

Juana plays a submissive yet powerful role as a guide for Kino. She gives him advice (which he promptly ignores), but she also gives him strength. Her quiet resolve focuses her husband and steadies him in times of tension. Even at the end of the novel, she guides Kino to ditch the pearl... although depending on your point of view this might not be the most helpful advice.