TKAM Characters

Scout Finch

The young narrator; intelligent, curious, and strong-willed; learns about morality and prejudice.

Atticus Finch

Scout and Jem’s father; a principled lawyer who defends Tom Robinson and teaches moral courage.

Jem Finch

Scout’s older brother; matures as he confronts injustice and the complexities of adulthood.

Calpurnia

The Finch family’s housekeeper; strict but loving, a bridge between Black and white communities.

Tom Robinson

A Black man falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell; kind, hardworking, and a victim of racism.

Bob Ewell

Mayella’s abusive, racist father who falsely accuses Tom; represents deep-seated prejudice and ignorance.

Mayella Ewell

Bob Ewell’s daughter; lonely and abused, falsely accuses Tom out of fear and desperation.

Judge Taylor

The judge in Tom Robinson’s trial; fair and subtle in his support of justice.

Uncle Jack

Atticus’s younger brother; kind and fun, learns to understand fairness through Scout.

Miss Maudie Atkinson

The Finches’ neighbor; kind, honest, and supportive of Atticus’s values. Bakes the children cakes.

Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose

An elderly, ill woman battling morphine addiction; represents personal courage.

Boo Radley

A neighbor who doesn’t leave his house; ultimately revealed to be gentle and protective.

Aunt Alexandra

Atticus’s sister; values tradition and reputation but grows to care more for her family.

Francis

Aunt Alexandra’s grandson; rude and snobby, insults Atticus, causing conflict with Scout.

Mr. Walter Cunningham Sr.

A poor but honorable farmer; part of the mob at the jail, moved by Scout’s words.

Walter Cunningham Jr.

Scout’s classmate; polite and poor, teaches Scout a lesson in empathy and class differences.

Dill Harris

Scout and Jem’s close friend who visits every summer; imaginative and sensitive.

Burris Ewell

One of the Ewell children; filthy, aggressive, and only attends school on the first day.