What would be a character sketch of Mr. Gilman from the book "The Story of My Life"?

In the story, Mr. Gilman is a patient, resourceful, and knowledgeable teacher. He is able to use his broad knowledge of history and literature to enrich Helen's study. Together, they read "As You Like It, Burke's "Speech on Conciliation with America," and Macaulay's "Life of Samuel Johnson."

During her first day in school, Mr. Gilman patiently reads aloud every sentence in Helen's German paper to her in order to ensure that she understands everything he is saying. He also painstakingly spells out to her everything she writes so that she can correct her mistakes as necessary. Because of Mr. Gilman's dedication, Helen is later able to complete other examinations without additional assistance and adjustments.

Mr. Gilman is also a compassionate person; he allows Helen's sister, Mildred, to study at the Cambridge School so that the sisters can be together. Helen relates that, as a result of Mr. Gilman's kindness, she and her sister were able to spend six happy months together.

Aside from Mr. Gilman's many positive traits, he can be extremely uncompromising and protective when it comes to Helen. At the beginning of the school year, he and Helen agree that, if necessary, Helen should spend five years to prepare for college. However, after the success of Helen's first year, Helen's teachers (Miss Sullivan, Miss Harbaugh, and another teacher) decide that she can be ready for college in two more years (essentially taking three years to prepare for college instead of five).

Despite the teachers' recommendations, however, Mr. Gilman insists that Helen will need three extra years of study (after her first year). So, in all (according to Mr. Gilman's calculations), Helen will need four years to be ready for college. He insists that Helen will be too overworked if she decides to abide by her teachers' schedule. Because of this difference of opinion between her principal teachers and Mr. Gilman, Helen's mother withdraws Helen and Mildred from the Cambridge School.

It can be seen from the above that Mr. Gilman is patient, resourceful, and compassionate. He also deeply cares for Helen and doesn't want her to undergo undue suffering in her bid to prepare for college.