Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Mother, Grandfather, and Eliza

Mother, Grandfather, and Eliza are Matilda's most obvious guides and mentors, though each serves her in different ways. Mother is an authority figure who must be confronted in order for Matilda to become an adult. Grandfather is a source of wisdom about the past. Eliza is a friend who teaches Matilda what it means to be someone's equal – and who will eventually go into business with Matilda. All three characters are responsible for leading Matilda down the path of adulthood.