Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Socrates

Socrates is quite plainly the guide-mentor-teacher-guru figure in this book. Not only is Dan his student, but we are also in effect his students: the whole novel is meant to teach us the truth of Socrates' philosophy.

If you want to check out the teachings, see Theme 1: Happiness, Theme 2: Life, Consciousness and Existence, Theme 3: Mortality, and Theme 4: Dreams, Hopes, and Plans. We have instructive quotes a-plenty for y'all.

Another way to look at Socrates is as an coach, because Way of the Peaceful Warrior can also be read as a sports book telling the story of a gymnast making a recovery—if you lop off all the philosophy that comes after he wins the championship. Indeed, Socrates acts as a literal coach for Dan in some chapters, helping him with gymnastics and other sports (like cross-country).