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While both Clarisse and Mildred are not main characters, they are extremely important supporting characters in the novel. Their influence on Guy Montag is one that cannot be ignored as they both portray opposite extremes of his feelings. Only through these opposing characters does Montag open up and show his true, inner feelings. In the first section of the novel, it never gives Clarisse a true age. She only makes this simple statement: "I'm seventeen …

…made him enjoy her even more. To Guy Montag, Clarisse was something else, something mystifying, the unknown. Thus, while neither Clarisse nor Mildred are main characters in the first part of the novel, they both play critical roles in the development of the main character, Guy Montag. Without them, it would be impossible for his emotions to grow and connect to one another and turn Montag into the person he becomes in the following parts.