Which of these characters is responsible for the management of the deceased person's estate?

The executor is the individual designated in a will to manage the deceased person's estate after their death. This role involves a range of responsibilities, including gathering the deceased's assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as outlined in the will. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate and the beneficiaries, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored in accordance with the law.

A beneficiary is someone who receives assets or benefits from the estate but does not have any responsibilities regarding the management of the estate. An heir, typically a family member, is legally entitled to inherit the estate, again without the obligation to manage it. A guardian, on the other hand, is responsible for the care of minor children or dependents, rather than for managing an estate. Therefore, the executor plays a crucial role in the administration of the deceased's estate, making them the correct choice in this context.