M. V. Sexton Speaking is a kind of Bildungsroman, a German word that means "novel of education." In a Bildungsroman the education of the central character is at stake, and, typically, that education occurs outside of school.

Very often, the protagonist in a novel of this sort has a mentor or guide; in M. V. Sexton Speaking, M. V. has several. These guides are, generally, members of her parent's generation, and they represent role models heretofore absent from M. V.'s life. The most notable guides appearing in M. V.'s Bildungsroman are the Bradleys, Gene Kestler, and Arnold Pepper's mother, Nancy.

Although not a guide, per se, Uncle Milt plays the role of sage, one who seldom speaks but who makes considerable sense when he does. It is Uncle Milt who helps M. V. unravel the puzzles of her past, her parents, her Aunt Gert...