Harry's parents' role plays out in his memories and the things he hears about them from others. Since they died when he was young, he remembers little about them and was not at an age to receive much knowledge from them. However, it is obvious he's been told great things about them because of his deep respect and affection for people he never even really knew. It seems their memory pushes him forward during some difficult times.
Sirius Black had longer to instruct and love Harry, and he became more than just a godfather -- a trusted friend and adviser, as well. Loved by his parents, it is easy for Harry to quickly love and trust him, too, and his instructions become invaluable during Harry's journey.
Lastly, Albus Dumbledore, Harry's beloved headmaster, took special interest in him while at Hogwarts, teaching him personably because of the role he knew Harry would play in Wizard history. Seen almost as all-wise and -intelligent at times, Harry also receives instruction easily from him. It is interesting, however, that in the last book, his reputation becomes questioned. This is a curious aspect of a bildungsroman story: what happens when a role model's past (or lies about his past) come out? How does he overcome this?
Another interesting aspect is the fact that all Harry's role models are in fact dead now. What does it mean for him to journey without them? Maybe that is a key part of his coming of age: the time when he must figure things out completely on his own, only drawing on things once told him.
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