Atticus Finch

1
Atticus Finch

• Father, Attorney, Hero

2
Background Facts

• Grew up on Finchs Landing
• Was taught at home by his father
• Attended Law School
• Represented his county in State Legislature

3
Other pertinent information

• Widower
• Father to Scout and Jem
• Received his first gun when he was 13

4
At the time of the story

• The towns most revered lawyer
• Appointed by Judge Taylor to represent Tom
  Robinson
• Faced criticism, threats, and hatred for
  defending Tom Robinson with passion.

5
Atticus Convictions

• Does not prejudge people
• Believes in always being honest.
• Encourages his children to avoid conflict
• Possesses hidden courage

6
Does not prejudge people

• Atticus tells Scout that before judging another
  person one should climb into their skin and walk
  around in it.

7
Believes in Honesty

• He faces a moral dilemma when faced with the
  knowledge that Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell, not
  Jem. He is torn between protecting Boo or giving
  the town the truth about what happened.

8
Encourages avoiding conflict

• Atticus tells Scout not to engage in fights when
  other children at school call him names.
• Atticus tells the children to stay away from Mrs.
  Dubose and the Radley place.
• Atticus tells the children that it is a sin to
  kill a mockingbird because it merely sings and
  does nothing to threaten anyone.

9
Possesses hidden courage

• Atticus shoots a rabid dog that is threatening
  the neighborhood. Before that the children think
  he cannot shoot.
• The children learn from the townspeople that
  Atticus is an excellent marksman.
• Atticus defends Tom Robinson with passion even
  though it makes him unpopular.

10
Final observations

• Atticus Finch is a man of high-intellect with
  moral convictions and a deep understanding of
  human nature.
• Atticus Finch is committed to his children and
  the betterment of society.
• Atticus is not afraid to go against what is
  popular for the sake of justice.