Distcription of characters in To Kill a Mockingbird

Essay by blahdyblahdyblahHigh School, 10th gradeA-, January 2003

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Main Characters

Atticus Finch

Atticus Finch is the voice of reason in the town of Maycomb and in the novel. He is a man that goes beyond the word tolerance; tolerance is merely to put up with something. Atticus looks at everyone and tries to understand who they are and where they are coming from. And he quietly and subtly passes on wisdom to his children about terrible subjects like racism.

Atticus is also a reliable man. People say that he is the same in the courtroom as he is on the streets. The code of conduct that he maintains for himself remains the same no matter what situation he is placed in. That is why he feels he is responsible to take Tom Robinson's case and defend him to the best of his abilities. If he didn't, he would see himself as a hypocrite.

Although Atticus seems mellow and even old-fashioned, many of his beliefs are quite new.

He allows Calpurnia to truly be a member of his family. He gives her full respect and fair treatment at all times. When Cal takes his children to her church, he seems unaffected. It is all part of his regular code of conduct.

At times, Atticus may almost seem a cartoon of goodness, kind of unrealistic or fake. Never once does he falter or think ill of people. But in this novel, the author makes Atticus seem believable and true.

Scout

Scout is the opposite of her Aunt Alexandra and what she stands for. Scout is the new Southern woman; strong willed, opinionated, and accepting. The remnants of racism and old times that occupy Aunt Alexandra and her standards are not present in Scout. Although she is still young, and under the guidance of Atticus, we get an impression of what...