Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Gradgrind

So, Gradgrind? Probably not the best mentor possible. In fact, Shmoop is going to call him an anti-mentor. But still, he's the only one anyone in this novel has got. He teaches Louisa and Tom, and tries to give them advice about their adult lives. He gives Sissy a home, raises her, and tries to educate her according to his theories. He then takes on Harthouse and tries to guide him along on his political career. In the best-case scenario, Sissy turns out OK because she just can't seem to learn what he tries to teach her.