She must have a strong persona about her, but is “always pleasant” and “while she has an intimidating and strong presence about her, she also comes across as caring and very understanding” (Almost Famous). She understands how much William wants to be a writer and have a story published in Rolling Stone, though she denies at first how much he really wants to write. She wants to make sure that he knows that, “as long as you know that this is just a hobby, I'll go along with it” (Almost Famous). When he says that he wants to go on tour with Stillwater, she is reluctant at first, but finally allows him to go. But not without setting ground rules, he must call, “twice a day and… not miss one test- and no drugs” (Almost Famous). William wanted the thrill of maturity that came with distance from his mother. While on the road, she still feels the need to control his life, much like Jenny’s parents wanted to control her schooling. Elaine has such an authoritative way about her that when she talks to Russell on the phone one night, she instantly makes him feel like a child again. When he takes the phone from William and Elaine says, “listen to me. Your charm does not work on me. I'm onto you” (Almost Famous). Practically shaking, all he can manage is a, “Yes, ma'am” or a “Yes… Yes…” even later admitting to William later that, “Your Mom kind of freaked me out” (Almost …show more content…
William immediately put Russell on a pedestal. He said that Russell, “is by far the best and most honest interview I've ever done. I've only done two, but you know. He's number one” (Almost Famous). Though he was not the best mentor, he still looked out for him and made sure that William was included as much as possible.Every once in awhile, there would be moments in which Russell would shed a few enlightening words into the naive William. He shows William that, “rock and roll is a LIFESTYLE... and a way of thinking and it's not about money and “‘popularity!’” (Almost Famous). Penny Lane on the other hand, was the one that really helped William. She showed William how the tour life worked and all the ins and outs that came with it. She opened William’s eyes on how life was off the stage. Mentioning how William “should give him[Russell] a break. There are real problems in the band. Off the record”(Almost Famous). With Penny Lane it was a two way street though, William helped her understand her feelings for Russell and helped her with the emotional side of things. He really tried to bring her back to reality when he asks, “when and where does the real world occur?” (Almost Famous). In a way, they mentored one another. They always knew what the other was doing and gave the best advice they