To Kill a Mockingbird - Character Notes

Mrs Dubose:
Pg. 119  physical description
Mostly in chapter 11
Jem and Scout pass her house and she stirs them up about Atticus defending Tom Robinson. Jem ruins every camellia in her garden, and then both are forced to read to her. Morphine addict.
Independent, strong willed, courageous, old fashioned, lonely, cantankerous, contrary, prejudice
Helps Jem and Scout to discover real courage, pg. 124
Gained self-control  important
Fear and ignorance driven people to misunderstand Mrs. Dubose
Mayella Ewell:
Pg. 197  physical description
Fragile, confused, nervous, unintelligent
Attended the court case, was raped by her dad, case was blamed on Tom Robinson.
Pg. 190 – 199 quotes on and about.
Aunt Alexandra:
Pg. 141  physical description
Harsh, old fashioned, bossy, old, opinionated, honest, over powering, protective, strict
She wanted to change Scout into a ‘proper lady’, determined to make a better difference than Calpurnia. Created more problems than solutions. Didn’t have respect for Calpurnia.
Pg. 145, 140  quotes from Aunt Alexandra
Chapter 12  Calpurnia took scout and jem to black church
Chapter 24  Aunt Alexandra has tea party. Racism is displayed
Calpurnia:
Pg. 6  physical description
Key role is to give guidance to Scout and Jem, shows them the black community
Strong willed, authoritive, responsible, wise, caring, understanding, smart, kind, protective
Been with them ever since Jem was born, pg. 6
Pg. 32, 139, 138,
Heck Tate:
Sheriff of Maycomb County
Pg. 104  Physical description
Over powering, tall, thin, wealthy,
Chapter 10, mad dog shooting
Has to arrest Tom, is involved in the court case, Heck Tate defends Jem and Boo from being accused of Bob Ewell’s death
Pg. 300 - 304, quotes from Heck Tate
Bob Ewell:
Pg. 147  physical description
Involved in the trial against Tom Robinson, rapes his daughter, attacks Jem and Scout
Arrogant man, human trash, disgrace, spends welfare money on alcohol, children go hungry, obnoxious, evil, violent, abusive, dirty, rude,
Pg. 189 – 192, quotes from court case
Pg. 296 – 303, quotes from the attack
Miss Rachel:
Finch’s next door neighbor
Good friends with Aunt Alexandra, often has tea at the Finch’s house, helps scout to understand that Boo Radley is a nice person,
Young, ladylike, mature, Dill’s aunty,
Pg. 56, 220, 143,
Scout Finch:
Tomboy, always starts fights, rosy cheeks, short black hair, dark brown eyes
Independent, courageous, humorous, curious, stubborn, aggressive, short tempered
Story is told by her point of view
Scout saved Tom from being lynched
Atticus Finch:
Lawyer, wise man, highly respected, father, widower, dry sense of humour, sense of morally, one of the few citizens who believes in equality, compassionate, determined, generous, accepting, strong, caring, courageous, humble, calm, courteous, affectionate
The one thing that doesn’t abide by ‘majority rule’ is a man’s conscience.
Jem Finch:
Pg. 227  four kinds of people in the world,
Pg. 240  why they ^ can’t get along
Pg. 13  talking to Dill
Four years older than scout, matures throughout the novel, becomes more effected by events because of a deeper understanding, phases in and out of wanting to hang out with Scout, tries hard to protect scout although they fight.
Adventurous, imaginative, courageous, caring, loving, righteous, loyal, charismatic, protective,
Tall, skinny, dark haired, brown eyes, tries to keep his cool, immature.
Miss Maudie:
Same age as Aunt Alexandra, glasses, brown hair, seen as an elderly figure, spends a lot of time in the garden
House burns down, Miss Maudie refuses to go to the trial because she believes they are like a ‘Roman Carnival’, great cake maker, supports Atticus’ ideas.
Respected, strong willed, friendly, supportive, sharp-tongued, loyal, widowed, brave, idol of Scout
Pg. 47  description