TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Written by Nelle Harper Lee in 1950-1960.

When Published: 1960.

Setting: Fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression, 1930s.

Characters

Scout Finch: Jean Louise, the narrator and main character. She grows from six to nine years old throughout the novel. She’s a tomboy, bright and innocent.

Jem Finch: Jeremy Atticus, Scout’s brother. He is nine when the novel begins. He’s relatable, realistic and wise in Scout’s eyes.

Atticus Finch: Widowed father. He is almost 50. He’s a lawyer, and seen as old-fashioned and boring by his children.

Dill: Charles Baker Harris. Jem and Scout’s friend and Miss Rachel’s nephew. Dill comes to stay with Miss Rachel in Maycomb one summer, he’s a storyteller.

Boo Radley: Arthur, Nathan’s younger sibling. He’s the outcast of the town as he refuses to come out of the house, his life is seen as a mystery, as he is a recluse.

Bob Ewell: Drunk and poor man that lives in the dumpster and is the racist patriarch of his family.

Miss Maudie: The Finch’s neighbor, she loved to garden her plants until her house burnt down, she didn’t care and was worried about the people’s safety.

Calpurnia: The cook of the family, she’s a black woman that raises the children after their mom died. Scout initially sees her as tyrannical, but as the story goes on, sees her as a maternal figure.

Aunt Alexandra: Atticus’ sister. A married and conservative woman that forces Scout to act more lady-like.

Tom Robinson: The 25 year old black man who Atticus defends against the Ewell’s. He’s accused of r*pe. However, he’s kind, married and a churchgoer.

Mayella Ewell: Bob’s daugther, she accused Tom of raping her. Shes 19, thick and used to hard labor.

Mrs Dubose: Ancient widow who lives two houses doors down from the Finches, she’s mean and loud.

Mr Dolphus Raymond: That drunk man who was supposed to marry, but rumour has it his fiancee comitted suicide years ago.

Uncle Jack. Hes 10 years younger than Atticus, single and has a female cat. Scout adores him.

Mr Underwood: The one and only of the Maycomb Tribune. He’s profane, intense.

Heck Tate: Maycomb's sheriff. He’s a tall slenderman cowboy who carries a riffle.

Judge Taylor: Elderly man, often seem as asleep but is actually paying attention.

Nathan Radley: The eldest sibling who came back to town to take care of Arthur as soon as Mr. Radley dies.

Walter Cunningham: A boy coming from a poor family in Scout’s class.

Mr. Cunningham: Walter’s dad. Honorable man, can’t afford to pay Atticus for his law duty so he pays with food and firewood.

Miss Stephanie Crawford: The biggest gossip girl in town, she’s active in church and very social.

Mrs Grace Merriweather: The most devout lady in town, leads the mission group.

Miss Caroline: Scout’s first grade teacher. Scolds her for her amazing literacy.

Miss Gates: Scout’s third grade teacher. Contradicts her teaching and her values.

Chapter Summary and Analysis

Chapter 1

Scout begins explaining that when Jem was 13, he broke his arm. They both argue about what caused the accident, Jem says it was when Dill moved in, but Scout suggests they take a broader view. The setting of Maycomb is set as an old-fashioned town. The Finches live on the main residential street.