Character Analysis of Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird

Atticus is a highly-respected character in the novel as he had spent time teaching his children important lessons in life and also to help Negroes. Atticus was one of the characters in the novel who had many good qualities described in the novel. This however makes Atticus a non-realistic character as his qualities are beyond the usual level that are present in us.

Atticus has real courage. Someone who has real courage knows that the consequences of his actions may not be ideal but they do it because they think that it is right. The most important reason that shows Atticus has real courage is that he dared to go against the opinions of the majority to help Tom Robinson. He knew that he would be mock at for defending a Negro in court as the Whites are mostly racist. Atticus knew that the Blacks are mostly kind and innocent(as described in the novel). Atticus also stayed by Tom Robinson's side one night to protect him from any gang or people who intended to kill Tom Robinson. He was almost killed but fortunately, Scout Finch, his daughter went up to talk to the gang of people and thus save Atticus' life. This portrayed Atticus brave qualities in defending Tom Robinson at all cost.

Atticus courage is also displayed when he keep his head high after Mrs Dubose often called him ugly names and foul language such as "nigger-lover". However, Atticus did not mind as he knew that Mrs Dubose have her own reasons to mock him and call him names. He even made Jem, who had previously offended Mrs Dubose (for calling Atticus ugly names) to apologise to her. Atticus knew clearly how Jem felt and the consequences he might have but he wanted Jem to learn to be a gentleman.