Lee, Harper: 1926 - 2016

To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960 - Characters

  • Scout Finch (Jean Louise Finch) - The narrator and protagonist, a young girl who grows up during the story. She’s curious, tomboyish, and learns about empathy and injustice as she witnesses events in her small town.

    Atticus Finch - Scout’s father, a widowed lawyer known for his moral integrity and wisdom. He defends Tom Robinson in a racially charged trial and teaches his kids about fairness and compassion.

    Jem Finch (Jeremy Atticus Finch) - Scout’s older brother. He’s protective of Scout and matures over the course of the novel, grappling with the harsh realities of the world.

    Boo Radley (Arthur Radley) - A reclusive neighbor who’s the subject of local myths. He’s misunderstood but ultimately shows kindness, becoming a symbol of the book’s theme of hidden goodness.

    Calpurnia - The Finch family’s Black housekeeper. She’s a strict but caring figure who bridges the racial divide and helps raise Scout and Jem.

    Tom Robinson - A Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. His trial exposes the deep-seated racism in Maycomb, and Atticus defends him despite the odds.

    Mayella Ewell - The young woman who accuses Tom Robinson. She’s a lonely, abused figure manipulated by her father, Bob Ewell.

    Bob Ewell - Mayella’s abusive, racist father. He’s the real perpetrator behind the accusation against Tom and later seeks revenge on Atticus.

    Dill Harris (Charles Baker Harris) - Scout and Jem’s imaginative, quirky friend who visits Maycomb in the summers. He’s inspired by Harper Lee’s real-life friend Truman Capote.

    Miss Maudie Atkinson - A kind, sharp-witted neighbor who supports Atticus and offers Scout life lessons. She loves gardening and stands out as a voice of reason.

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  • Characters from Lit Charts
  • Extensive Explanation of the Characters (pdf 7pp)
  • The Truth about Boo Radley
  • Who was Atticus Finch? Emory University