Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Glinda

Glinda has all the hallmarks of a guide and a mentor. She's confident and knowledgeable, possessing all kinds of helpful tidbits (though killing Wicked Witches apparently isn't one of them). She offers Dorothy a helping hand when she first arrives in Oz, and even gives her a Get Out of Jail Free card when she rescues the gang from the Witch's poppies.

But like all good guides and mentors, she doesn't do all of the heavy lifting for the heroine. She only steps in once and most of the time, she lets Dorothy solve her own problems. Advice, sure. But direct intervention would rob Dorothy of the experiences she needs. So she hangs back, presumably watching from the sidelines and ready to explain things once Dorothy has it all figured out. It's a pretty good gig if you can get it, and Glinda makes sure her young charge is ready for the responsibility when she finally tells her how to use those ruby slippers.

If only every teacher could ride around in a magic soap bubble.