Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Dolly Winthrop

Although Dolly isn't a terribly important character for her own qualities, she's crucial to the novel for the way that she helps Silas enter the community of Raveloe by acting as his guide and mentor. She gives him advice about childrearing; she insists that Eppie be baptized (or "christened," as the Anglican Raveloe-ians call it); and she takes care of some of the tasks that Silas can't (or won't; men, ladies, amirite?), like washing Eppie's little clothes. Through Dolly's help and example, Silas is able to take advantage of the redemption that Eppie offers.