Character Analysis

CHARACTER ANALYSIS – To Kill a Mockingbird Character | Characteristics/Qualities | Important Quotes | Additional Information | ATTICUS | Atticus has integrity and believes that abiding the law (courthouse and humanity) is necessary.He demonstrates the qualities: * Humbleness/ modesty: he does not want attention for his good deeds. * Integrity * Loyalty: to his family and courthouse. * No prejudice: with regards to the coloured people. * Honesty: he was prepared to turn in Jem as a murderer, just to stay right. * Respect (for both sexes and all races) * Persistence: when deciding to go through with the case and not withdraw. * Sympathy/ compassion * Courage | * "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win" - Chapter 9 * "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." - Chapter 3 * "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." - Chapter 11 * "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." - Chapter 10 | * Atticus treats his children as intelligent young adults. He is very fair - he tries to hear both sides of an argument. He does not stereotype people. * Atticus is frequently criticized by others people. He does not take advantage of his social standing to retaliate or rebuke them. Atticus remains calm when provoked directly. * Atticus shows an interest in Walter Cunningham's home life, and asks him about farming - he allows Walter, who may not be very good at school work, to speak as an expert. Atticus always shows admiration for Mrs. Dubose - even though she abuses him and is a racist. * At the end of the novel Atticus understands Boo's shyness