To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Setting/Historical Background
The novel is set during the Great Depression in Alabama. The story is narrated by a little girl named Scout. She tells the audience the story of how her father, Atticus Fitch, defends a black man, Tom Robinson, who has been accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. This story takes place during the height of segregation and racial tensions in the deep south. For more historical information and context click on the links below.

Characters

  • Scout (Jean Louise Finch) - She is the narrator of the story and is almost six when the story begins. She is very much a tomboy that believes in the goodness of people.
  • Jem (Jeremy Finch) - This is Scout's older brother who is almost ten when the story begins. He is quiet and reserved, unlike his sister. He has high standards and expectations for people as well as emotional attachments.
  • Dill (Charles Baker Harris) - He is a friend of the Finch children that comes to stay with his aunt during the summer. She lives next door to the Finch family. He is just older than Scout and very full of adventure.
  • Atticus Finch - He is the father of Scout and Jem. He is a lawyer and an extremely morally upright man that deals with everyone fairly.
  • Boo Radley - He is a recluse that never emerges from his house.
  • Tom Robinson - A black man who is falsely accused of raping Mayella Ewell. He is defended by Atticus.
  • Calpurnia - A black woman that is the housekeeper and cook for the Finch family. She is the only mother figure in the lives of the children.

There are a lot of characters in the book, but the ones listed above are by far the most important to the main aspects of the story.

For more information on the author click here.

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