Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Billy Flynn and Mama Morton

Roxie and Velma have two guides in the prison system: Billy Flynn and Mama Morton. But, as we've learned from Orange is the New Black, no one in prison has any freedom, power, or agency, so both Billy and Mama are less "mentors" and more "exploitative forces in their lives."

Sure, Billy wants to help Roxie and Velma win a not guilty verdict, but he mostly wants $5,000 per case. And Mama is nurturing her talent, but she's also is using the girls for personal gain—she charges for phone calls and will take 10% of their earnings as an agent's fee.

Being in a prison is a nasty business… even the mentors are looking out for themselves first.