To Kill a Mockingbird characters

Scout Finch

Scout Finch

Scout is the protagonist of the story. She is also the narrator who describes the events from her point of view. Scout is smart and witty. She sometimes behaves in a boyish manner because Scout likes fighting with boys confidently. The reason for being a tomboy is the Atticus' upbringing. He...

Atticus Finch

Atticus Finch

Atticus is a widower who is responsible for raising up two kids Scout and Jem. He symbolizes man's wisdom, intelligence, and goodness. He is respected by all the citizens because of his traits of character. Atticus is older than other fathers in the city, and his children are embarrassed at...

Jem Finch

Jem Finch

Jeremy (Jem) Finch is one of the central characters of Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He is a boy aged from 10 to 13, the brother of the book’s protagonist Jean Louise (Scout). He is described in the novel from his sister’s point of view. The book follows his evolution...

Arthur Radley

Arthur Radley

Arthur Radley lives in isolation and is not willing to go outside his dwelling. Boo is an interesting man for Scout, Jem, and Dill. Children have lots of fun trying to persuade him to leave the house, but the man remains a mysterious recluse. Arthur is that representative of the innocent...

Mayella Ewell

Mayella Ewell

A woman who accused Tom Robinson of rape. Throughout the trial the reader discovers that she voluntarily offered sexual interaction to Tom and was lying to cover her shame in front of her father. Atticus provides expensive evidence that the marks of physical abuse on Mayella are from her father...

Aunt Alexandra

Aunt Alexandra

The sister of Atticus Finch who comes to live with him one summer. She helps her brother with the kids and provides the family with care and gentle touch. At the same time she is a strong woman who is ready to stand up for her convictions. This leads to her regular clashes with Scout over...

Bob Ewell

Bob Ewell

The chief support of the accusers in this story. For generations, he was considered a disgrace to the city. As head of the family, he could not provide a decent living for his loved ones. Occupying an outcast position, he and his relatives live in a decrepit barn, resembling a landfill, not a cozy...

Calpurnia

Calpurnia

The Finchs' African American housekeeper. She grew up at Finch's Landing and moved with Atticus to Maycomb. She is the closest thing to a mother that Scout and Jem have. One of the few Negroes in town who can read and write, she teaches Scout to write.

Tom Robinson

Tom Robinson

A black man who was accused of raping a white woman. His descriptions and words leave no doubts to the reader that he is innocent. Atticus Finch decides to defend him and this is the reason why Finch’s family gets terrible treatment from the town’s inhabitants. During the trial process...

Miss Maudie Atkinson

Miss Maudie Atkinson

Miss Maudie represents the world of noble conservative ladies who perceive their own worth. She has refined manners, preferring slowness instead of fussiness and chaos. The heroine is famous for her wit and commitment to justice. She protects a person regardless of his origin, wealth or skin...

Judge John Taylor

Judge John Taylor

The one who leads the trial. Through his questions the reader is given a chance to find out the facts that prove Tom’s innocence. Yet, it is up to the jury to decide and the jury is set for a guilty verdict. He is a vivid portrayal of the system that has started to change, but still has to...

Charles Baker “Dill” Harris

Charles Baker “Dill” Harris

Dill is a neighbor and a friend of Scout and Jem. He symbolizes childhood innocence during the whole plot. The boy is very interested in Boo, and he is amused at trying to assure this strange man to come out. Dill is a confident boy, and he has a vibrant imagination. He is very sensitive and...