Nathan Radley as a minor character has a great impact on the story, throughout the book Nathan is showed cruel and unfriendly which sets a background about his family, especially about Arthur. He is even more hurtful to young children such as Jem, Scout and Dill. It is unclear whether he is Boo’s jailor or a protector. First, Nathan cruelly cuts off an important element of Boo's relationship with Jem and Scout when he plugs up the knothole in which Boo leaves presents for the children. This upsets the children and at the same time makes the story more interesting for the reader. Scout begins to think that Nathan is similar to deceased Mr. Radley and Boo. Also, after this incident the children weren’t seen sneaking around the Radley’s yard.
When one night the children were trying to catch a glimpse of Boo, Nathan recognizes their presence and welcomes them with a shotgun shot. But fortunately the children weren’t hit. And yet again Nathan’s characteristics give a feeling that all Radleys were identical to Nathan, even though it was not true. Part of this feeling is because of the rumors going around about Boo and how his cruel father locked him for the rest of his life.
However, Nathan Radley only had two key incidents in the story but these two parts gave a stereo typical idea of how the Radleys lived and got along with people. Nathan created an interest into who Arthur Radley really was and why he was so lonely. Nathan’s character is what leads to the great creation of Boo’s mysterious character and the great ending to the story.
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