To Kill A Mockingbird Characterization

Characterization: the methods by which an author develops characters: * the physical description of the character * the actions and speech of that character * the thoughts and beliefs of that character * what other characters say about that character

Functions of Minor Characters: * to advance plot * to develop the major character(s) * to develop the theme * to act as a foil, contrast, or antagonist * to provide comic relief

Major Characters Atticus Finch Jeremy Finch (Jem) Jean Louise Finch (Scout)

Protagonist: character who experiences the conflict and functions to develop the theme of the story. This character is considered to be DYNAMIC or WELL ROUNDED if he/she is developed using most of the below methods: Physical description: what the character looks like, any discerning physical features What the character says and does: action and speech are clear indicators of personality, values, motivation etc.

Protagonist cont’d What others say about the character: help define how others see traits about the character that might never be exposed by the protagonist (especially if the story is told in the first person) Thoughts and Feelings of the character: if the story is told in the 1st person or omniscient points of view, insight into the “brain” of the character also helps to develop character

Atticus Finch

What Atticus says and does Atticus treats his children as intelligent young adults - he speaks in a clear matter-of-fact way, and answers questions directly (including technical points of law and definitions of rape). “This is their home, sister...We’ve made it this way for them, they might as well learn to cope with it.” p. 212 He is very fair - he tries to hear both sides of an argument. “When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness sake. But don’t make a production out of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasion muddles ‘em.” p. 87

Atticus cont’d He does not beat his children, but is firm in some matters - as when he insists that Jem read to Mrs. Dubose, or makes them obey Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra. “Let’s make this clear: you do as Calpurnia tells you, you do as I tell you, and as long as your aunt’s in this house, you do as she tells you. Understand? p. 136 He does not stereotype people - he is quite happy for Scout to be a tomboy. He sees that the children need a mother figure, and recognizes that Calpurnia is far better able than he is to be a homemaker. p. 137

Atticus cont’d Atticus is frequently criticized by others people. He does not take advantage of his social standing to retaliate. Atticus remains calm when provoked directly - look, for example, at how he handles Bob Ewell's challenge: “Too proud to fight?” “No,” says Atticus, “too old.” (Think about the ambiguity - on the surface it seems to mean that Atticus is no longer strong and fit enough to fight; but also it might mean that fighting is not something that adults should do - which could imply that Bob has not grown up). Atticus understands the importance of allowing people to pay for his services, even though he has no need of their gifts - as when he accepts payment in kind from the Cunninghams, or gifts from the black people of Maycomb after Tom's trial.

What others say about Atticus: Bob Ewell’s attitudes and actions Stephanie Crawford’s gossip/criticisms “Miss Stephanie said you had to hand it to Atticus Finch, he could be right dry sometimes. p. 217 Alexandra’s mild and partly well-meant criticisms Harsh comments of Mrs. Dubose `Not only a Finch waiting tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers.... Your father`s no better than the niggers and trash he works for! p. 101-2 Clear sightedness and honesty of Miss Maudie Atkinson: “He's the same in the courtroom as he is on the public streets” Chapter 19 “There are some men in the world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father's one of them” Chapter 22 “Did it ever strike you that Judge Taylor naming Atticus to defend that boy was no accident?” Chapter 22