Final answer:
Professor Faber is a retired English professor who fears Montag, a fireman, due to his profession's association with burning books. Montag seeks Faber's help to understand literature and challenge society's norms. Both Faber and Clarisse share qualities of thoughtfulness and cherish literature and independent thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professor Faber is introduced in Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451 as a retired English professor. He is initially afraid of Montag because Montag is a fireman, a profession associated with the burning of books in the dystopian society of the novel. Firemen are feared as they enforce the societal norm of suppressing knowledge and critical thinking by destroying literature. Montag, however, has become disillusioned with his role and seeks knowledge and guidance on how to understand books. He wants Faber's help to comprehend literature and to find a way to challenge the status quo.
Professor Faber possesses certain qualities that are also found in Clarisse, another character in the novel. Both Faber and Clarisse are thoughtful, inquisitive, and cherish literature and independent thought. They serve as catalysts for Montag's transformation, encouraging him to question the world around him and to seek truths found in the written word.