Characters

Characterisation

• Characterisation: The way an author reveals a character's personality through thoughts, feelings, actions, expressions, and dialogue.
• Protagonist: The main character in a story (e.g., Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird).
• Antagonist: A character who opposes the protagonist (e.g., Bob Ewell).
• As you read, look for evidence showing how characters change over time.

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Main Characters

Atticus Finch

• The father of Scout and Jem; treats his children with respect and reason.
• Occupation: Lawyer and member of the Alabama legislature.
• Beliefs: Rejects racism and sexism, treating all people with respect.
• Morality: Defends Tom Robinson despite community backlash.
• Courage: Displays both physical and moral bravery.

Scout (Jean Louise) Finch

• Narrator and protagonist.
• Unconventional: Prefers overalls over dresses and enjoys climbing trees.
• Intelligent: Learnt to read and write before school.
• Confident: Not afraid to fight boys or challenge adults.
• Growth: Initially believes people are inherently good but learns about prejudice.
• Resembles Atticus: Stands up for justice and fairness.

Jem (Jeremy Atticus) Finch

• Older brother to Scout.
• Maturity: Grows from a child into a young teenager during the novel.
• Protective: Stands by Scout, even risking his life for her.
• Disillusionment: Struggles with the Tom Robinson trial and the injustice he witnesses.

Aunt Alexandra

• Atticus's strict sister is concerned with family status and social expectations.
• Traditional values: Believes Scout should behave like a 'proper' young lady.
• Loyal to family: Despite her disagreements with Atticus, she stands by him.

Calpurnia

• The Finch family's housekeeper and a mother figure to Scout and Jem.
• Strict but caring: Enforces discipline but deeply loves the children.
• Cultural bridge: Connects the Finch family to Maycomb's Black community.
• Compassionate: Accompanies Atticus to inform Helen Robinson of Tom's death.

Arthur "Boo" Radley

• Reclusive: Never leaves his house; described as pale due to lack of sunlight.
• Mysterious: The subject of many rumours and the children's fascination.
• Secret kindness: Leaves gifts in a tree for the children and mends Jem's pants.
• Saviour: Rescues Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell's attack.
• Symbolic Mockingbird: Represents innocence harmed by cruelty.

Miss Maudie Atkinson

• Widow and neighbour of the Finches.
• Wise and just: Supports Atticus's stance on fairness and justice.
• Gardener: Loves her garden and allows the children to play there.
• Comforting presence: Helps the children understand the world's injustices.

Bob Ewell

• Antagonist: Abusive father of Mayella Ewell.
• Alcoholic: Wastes welfare money on drinking instead of supporting his children.
• False accusations: Blames Tom Robinson for his own crimes against Mayella.
• Vengeful: Attacks Scout and Jem to get revenge on Atticus.

Dill (Charles Baker) Harris

• Friend of Scout and Jem; visits Maycomb in summer.
• Imaginative and adventurous.
• Neglected child: Lies about his father to cover up his loneliness.
• Curious about Boo Radley and fascinated by his mystery.

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Minor Characters

Other Finch Family Members

• Uncle Jack Finch – Atticus's brother, a doctor.
• Francis Hancock – Aunt Alexandra's grandson, Scout's cousin.

Maycomb Townspeople

• Heck Tate – The town's sheriff.
• Judge Taylor – The judge in Tom Robinson's trial.
• Mr Gilmer – The prosecuting lawyer in the trial.
• Miss Stephanie Crawford – The town gossip.
• Mrs Dubose – An elderly woman struggling with drug addiction; admired by Atticus for her bravery.
• Mr Underwood – Newspaper editor who supports justice.

The Black Community

• Zeebo – Calpurnia's son, a garbage collector.
• Reverend Sykes – Pastor of Calpurnia's church.
• Lula – Resents white people attending her church.
• Tom Robinson – Wrongly accused of raping Mayella Ewell; convicted despite clear evidence of innocence.
• Helen Robinson – Tom's wife; faces hardship after his death.
• Mr Dolphus Raymond – A white man who chooses to live among the Black community.

The Farming Community

• Walter Cunningham Sr. – A hardworking but poor farmer; who refuses charity.
• Walter Cunningham Jr. – A classmate of Scout's.
• Link Deas – Tom Robinson's employer; supports Tom's innocence.
• Chuck Little – A schoolmate of Scout's.

The Ewells

• Burris Ewell – Attends school only one day a year.
• Mayella Ewell – Accuses Tom Robinson of rape due to pressure from her father.

Other Notable Figures

• Miss Caroline Fisher – Scout's first teacher.
• Tim Johnson – The rabid dog Atticus shoots.
• Cecil Jacobs – Scout's classmate who taunts her about Atticus defending Tom.

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Character Analysis Strategy

Use a character chart to track key traits and supporting evidence.

Example (Scout Finch)

Characteristic	Evidence
Does not conform to gender norms	Wears overalls instead of dresses; climbs trees
Intelligent	Learnt to read and write before starting school
Compassionate	Defends Walter Cunningham from the teacher's insensitivity
Confident	Unafraid to fight boys or challenge adults
Believes in justice	Questions racism and supports Tom Robinson

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Key Themes in Characterisation

• Innocence vs. Experience: Scout and Jem lose their childhood innocence as they witness racism and injustice.
• Moral Integrity: Atticus and Miss Maudie uphold fairness and justice.
• Prejudice and Discrimination: Characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley suffer due to societal bias.
• Courage: Different forms of bravery are shown, from Atticus's moral courage to Mrs Dubose's fight against addiction.