Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Ambrose

Speaking of father-figures, if Patricius is Augustine's failed pagan father figure, then Ambrose is definitely the spiritual Cool Dad. He's even nicer to Monica than Patricius is. But Augustine is mostly drawn to Ambrose's scholarliness and intelligence. Augustine is let down by Faustus because he speaks well but, as it turns out, he isn't very well read. Ambrose is the exact opposite: he is always reading—much to the chagrin of Augustine, who wants to ask him questions—and he is able to explain the Scriptures to Augustine. So our Father of the Year Award goes to Ambrose.