This challenge is what makes his character so likable. Red is a good man who did a terrible thing. He gives gifts to Andy and is a good friend to him when he needs him. He is very intelligent, he never gets caught smuggling everything. He is a nice man because of his sincerity. At the beginning of the film he can even be considered the archetype of the wise old man. The wise old man in a film "possesses knowledge and often serves as a mentor to the hero" (Seger 392). He becomes Andy's mentor and takes him under his wing, shows him how to do things and teaches him how to survive behind bars. She provides him with what he needs from the outside world, such as the hammer and the posters, and gives him valuable advice. The stereotypical African American is not seen as a respectable man, nor as an individual with intelligence and charm, as Red does. Andy Dufresne helps Red grow as a person and challenge the stereotype that he was born from the color of his skin. This type of African American image can be seen in other films such as