To Kill a Mockingbird – Character Notes
Mrs Dubose
Pg. 119 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
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
