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 from a child into a young man and the change of his views resulting from both experience and age. This character is used in the book to introduce the idea of bravery and the way it changes in course of the narration – from childish ideas that it is brave to play near the Boo Radley’s house to the situations which require real courage, like defending against a rabid dog or confronting a mob of angry townspeople who are ready to lynch the innocent man accused of rape. Jem also gradually turns from a daredevil child looking for adventure into a more serious person who tries to protect his young sister, Scout, and explain to her the complicated events they get involved into.

Jem respects and admires his father, Atticus Finch, cherishes his opinion and tries hard not to disappoint him. He also plans to subsequently become a lawyer like his father.

Jem is quite an idealistic boy and feels shock and guilt when the jury finally convicts the innocent Tom Robinson. He finds it really difficult to understand and cope with this tragedy and injustice of the court.

Finally, Jem and his sister get attacked by Bob Ewell, the former accuser of Tom Robinson, who assaults them in an attempt to have revenge upon Atticus Finch whom he hates. Jem suffers a broken arm, but Ewell is killed in the fight either by Jem or Boo Radley. Thus, by chance they manage to avenge Robinson, an innocent victim of Ewell’s malicious intent.