To kill a mocking bird study guide

Scout Finch — Speech

Outspoken, curious, and asks lots of questions.

Scout Finch — Thoughts

Learns to understand people before judging them.

Scout Finch — Effect on Others

Her innocence sometimes causes adults to rethink their actions.

Scout Finch — Actions

Stands up for herself and people she cares about.

Scout Finch — Looks

Young tomboy who usually prefers overalls and casual clothing.

Scout Finch — Relationships

Atticus's daughter, Jem's younger sister, Dill's friend, and Alexandra's niece.

Scout Finch — Important Quote

“I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.” Shows her growing belief in equality.

Atticus Finch — Speech

Calm, respectful, thoughtful, and wise.

Atticus Finch — Thoughts

Believes strongly in justice, empathy, and equality.

Atticus Finch — Effect on Others

Teaches Scout and Jem important moral lessons.

Atticus Finch — Actions

Defends Tom Robinson even when much of Maycomb is against him.

Atticus Finch — Looks

Older, wears glasses, and originally seems unimpressive to his children.

Atticus Finch — Relationships

Father of Scout and Jem, Alexandra's brother, and Tom Robinson's lawyer.

Atticus Finch — Important Quote

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” Shows his belief in empathy.

Jem Finch — Speech

Confident and often tries to act mature.

Jem Finch — Thoughts

Strongly believes people should be treated fairly.

Jem Finch — Effect on Others

Protects Scout and influences how she understands the world.

Jem Finch — Actions

Protects Scout and is deeply affected by Tom Robinson's trial.

Jem Finch — Looks

Older and bigger than Scout and grows throughout the novel.

Jem Finch — Relationships

Scout's older brother, Atticus's son, and Dill's friend.

Jem Finch — Important Quote

“It ain’t right, Atticus.” Shows how strongly Jem believes in justice.

Boo Radley — Speech

Extremely quiet and rarely speaks.

Boo Radley — Thoughts

Cares deeply about Scout and Jem.

Boo Radley — Effect on Others

The children first fear him but eventually understand him.

Boo Radley — Actions

Leaves gifts for the children and saves Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell.

Boo Radley — Looks

Pale, thin, and shy-looking from staying indoors.

Boo Radley — Relationships

Finch family's neighbor, Nathan Radley's brother, and protector of Scout and Jem.

Boo Radley — Important Quote

“Boo was our neighbor...and our lives.” Shows Scout finally understands Boo's kindness.

Dill Harris — Speech

Imaginative, dramatic, and talkative.

Dill Harris — Thoughts

Fascinated by Boo and sensitive to unfairness.

Dill Harris — Effect on Others

Encourages Scout and Jem's adventures involving Boo.

Dill Harris — Actions

Dares Jem to approach the Radley house and becomes upset during Tom's trial.

Dill Harris — Looks

Very small and short for his age.

Dill Harris — Relationships

Summer friend of Scout and Jem and stays with his aunt Miss Rachel.

Dill Harris — Important Quote

“It’s just him I couldn’t stand...the way he talked so hateful.” Shows Dill's sensitivity to cruelty and racism.

Tom Robinson — Speech

Polite, respectful, and honest.

Tom Robinson — Thoughts

Feels sympathy for Mayella because she is lonely.

Tom Robinson — Effect on Others

His trial exposes racism and injustice in Maycomb.

Tom Robinson — Actions

Helps Mayella with chores without expecting payment.

Tom Robinson — Looks

His left arm is badly disabled and almost useless.

Tom Robinson — Relationships

Atticus's client, Mayella's accused attacker, and Helen Robinson's husband.

Tom Robinson — Important Quote

“I felt right sorry for her.” Shows his compassion toward Mayella.

Bob Ewell — Speech

Rude, racist, and threatening.

Bob Ewell — Thoughts

Hateful, angry, and obsessed with revenge.

Bob Ewell — Effect on Others

Frightens and harms people around him.

Bob Ewell — Actions

Lies during the trial, spits on Atticus, and attacks Jem and Scout.

Bob Ewell — Looks

Dirty and poorly kept.

Bob Ewell — Relationships

Mayella's father and enemy of Atticus.

Bob Ewell — Important Quote

“One down and about two more to go.” Shows his desire for revenge.

Mayella Ewell — Speech

Nervous, defensive, and inconsistent.

Mayella Ewell — Thoughts

Lonely, frightened, and ashamed.

Mayella Ewell — Effect on Others

Her accusation puts Tom Robinson on trial.

Mayella Ewell — Actions

Asks Tom for help, kisses him, and then falsely accuses him.

Mayella Ewell — Looks

Young and poor with bruises mainly on the right side of her face.

Mayella Ewell — Relationships

Bob Ewell's daughter and Tom Robinson's accuser.

Mayella Ewell — Important Quote

“I don’t recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me.” Shows that her testimony is inconsistent.

Heck Tate — Speech

Direct, calm, and practical.

Heck Tate — Thoughts

Believes protecting an innocent person can be more important than strictly following procedure.

Heck Tate — Effect on Others

Has authority and is respected as Maycomb's sheriff.

Heck Tate — Actions

Investigates the cases and protects Boo after Bob Ewell's death.

Heck Tate — Looks

Adult sheriff who carries himself like an authority figure.

Heck Tate — Relationships

Maycomb sheriff who works with Atticus and protects Boo Radley.

Heck Tate — Important Quote

“Let the dead bury the dead this time, Mr. Finch.” Shows his practical and compassionate nature.

Practice Round 1 — Multiple Choice