TKAM Part 1 Characters

Scout Finch (Jean Louise)

The narrator and protagonist of To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout is curious, intelligent, and outspoken and often gets into trouble.

Jem Finch (Jeremy)

Scout’s older brother. He is adventurous, protective of Scout, and beginning to mature and understand the world around him.

Atticus Finch

Scout and Jem's father. He is a lawyer who values fairness, honesty, and treating everyone with respect. He teaches his children to understand other people's perspectives.

Calpurnia

The Finch family's housekeeper. She helps raise Scout and Jem and teaches them important lessons about manners, respect, and how to treat others.

Aunt Alexandra

Atticus's sister. She is very concerned with family history, social class, and proper behavior. She believes Scout should act more like a traditional Southern girl.

Uncle Jack

Atticus's younger brother and Scout and Jem's uncle. He is a doctor who visits the family during Christmas. He is playful and enjoys spending time with the children, although he sometimes struggles to understand Scout's behavior.

Charles Baker Harris (Dill)

A boy who visits Maycomb during the summers. He becomes close friends with Scout and Jem. He is imaginative, curious, and fascinated by Boo Radley.

Arthur (Boo) Radley

A mysterious neighbor who rarely leaves his house. The children are frightened and fascinated by him because of the rumors and stories they hear. He secretly leaves gifts for the children in a tree.

Nathan Radley

Boo Radley's older brother. He returns to Maycomb and helps keep Boo isolated from the outside world. He fills the knothole in the tree with cement.

Miss Maudie Atkinson

The Finches' friendly neighbor. She loves gardening and is honest, kind, and independent. She respects Atticus and helps Scout understand the people around her.

Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose

An elderly, often unpleasant neighbor who criticizes Scout and Jem. Jem later learns that she is fighting a difficult personal battle and demonstrates courage.

Miss Stephanie Crawford

A neighborhood gossip who spreads stories and rumors about Boo Radley. She often shares information about other people's lives.

Walter Cunningham

A poor boy in Scout's class who comes from a family that does not accept charity. He is invited to the Finch home for lunch after Scout gets into a fight at school.

Burris Ewell

A rude student who attends school only on the first day. He comes from the Ewell family that is known for its poverty and poor behavior.

Miss Caroline Fisher

Scout's first-grade teacher. She is new to Maycomb and does not understand the community or the backgrounds of her students.

Heck Tate

The sheriff of Maycomb. He is responsible for keeping the town safe and is involved in investigating events surrounding the Radley house.

Mr. Avery

A neighbor who lives across the street from the Radleys. He blames the children for bad weather and entertains them with stories and jokes.

Tom Robinson

An African American man who lives in Maycomb. He is mentioned in Part One because Atticus is appointed to defend him against an accusation made by a white woman. His case introduces the theme of racial prejudice and injustice.

Tim Johnson

A neighborhood dog that develops rabies and wanders down the street. His appearance leads to an important moment when Atticus demonstrates his remarkable shooting ability. He also reveals an unexpected side of Atticus.