To Kill a Mockingbird: Encyclopedia II - To Kill a Mockingbird - Analysis of important characters

To Kill a Mockingbird - Analysis of important characters

Jem Finch is Scout's older brother. Jem undergoes crucial transformations in the work as he becomes a man. The trial of Tom Robinson is Jem's first real encounter with true evil, and the realization of its existence drives him into a sullen state. Prior to this, he had viewed the world innocently, thinking of people as one-sided. He viewed Boo Radley, for example, as a frightening figure. Jem was able to overcome his sullenness due to the strong presence of Atticus in his life, and became a bigger person as he achieved a greater understanding of the world and how to view and treat other human beings.

Aunt Alexandra is Atticus’ proper sister, who came to live with them to make a lady out of the tomboy Scout and restore proper Southern order to their home.

Boo Radley symbolizes destroyed innocence. As a child he was abused by his father, and was driven to agoraphobia. A gentle creature, and perhaps an albino, he is viewed with fear by the children, who do not come to a better understanding of him until the end of the work. He does several heroic things, including giving Scout a blanket during a neighborhood fire, and saving the kids from an assault by the father of the girl that accused Tom Robinson of rape. His misconceived good nature testifies to the message of the story, one of kindness and the notion that people should not make judgements on others, since nobody is that simple.

Atticus Finch is one of the most important characters in the story. He represents morality and kindness. He defends Tom Robinson because he feels that not doing so would make him a hypocrite. Atticus serves as a guiding light for his children, always calm and patient. He allows them to come to the understanding that, although evil exists, one should not dwell on that but should instead realize that the existence of this evil is a sign that there is work to do, and progress to make. His strong presence in his children's lives prevents them from becoming symbols of destroyed innocence, such as Boo Radley and Tom Robinson.

Tom Robinson is important to the novel for many different reasons. Firstly, he acts as a scapegoat the novel - allowed to take the blame for something he didn't do (raping Mayella). He represents the 'mockingbird,' doing nothing but good (helping Mayella with various tasks and expects no payment). In addition it shows there is prejudice between the African Americans and White people. Although Scout is too young to understand the basic principle of racism, her description of the trial of Tom lets the reader believe the author is against racism. The book is Bildungsroman - showing she and Jem are growing up.

Bob Ewell is the antagonist in the story. He accuses Tom Robinson of raping his daughter Mayella and is one of the poorest men in Maycomb, next to the Cunninghams. He is white trash, and his money is provided by the city.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Analysis of important characters", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki