Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Sir Luke Strett

From the first time we meet him, we know that Sir Luke Strett is going to be the most upstanding and respectable character in the book. Sir Luke, you see, realizes that Milly has a terminal illness. But rather than focusing on the question of how long Milly's body will continue to "live," Sir Luke wisely reframes the question and tells Milly that "living" is something a person chooses to do, not something that's taken away from them. Aww. What a guy.

Acting on Sir Luke's advice, Milly resolves to live all of her remaining days as if they were her last. She moves to Italy, lets herself fall in love with Merton Densher, and experiences as much of life as she possibly can. And she has Sir Luke's guidance to thank for all of it.