Kids in To Kill a Mockingbird
Character Descriptions of the Children in Harper Lee’s Novel
Apr 15, 2009
It is important to understand the point of view of the children Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. If one doesn’t understand the personality of each child and how their community and family shape them, one cannot appreciate their role in the novel.
Jean Louise "Scout" Finch
Scout Finch is the narrator in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout is six-years-old at the beginning of the novel. She is a tomboy and precocious child, two traits that often get her into trouble. She prefers wearing overalls to wearing dresses and will fight anyone who upsets her, which upsets and dismays the women in Maycomb. She already knows how to read when she enters first grade and is willing to speak her mind, two characteristics that often get her in trouble with the teacher. The naiveté and precocious opinions of Scout make her an ideal narrator for the story. She isn’t burdened with social mores and can make judgments based on her own innocent and unsullied knowledge.
Jeremy “Jem” Finch
Jem is Scout’s older brother. He is ten-years-old at the beginning of the novel. Jem has a better understanding of the world than Scout and has high standards for the people he knows. His maturity might have something to do with the fact that Jem can remember their mother and her death. He is a tolerant older brother who often includes Scout in activities and encourages her to do things despite her gender.
As he enters puberty Jem grows moodier and when Atticus loses the trial, Jem’s faith in human nature is shaken. However, despite his moodiness and shaken confidence, he defends Scout when Bob Ewell attacks her.
Charles “Dill” Baker Harris
Dill is Jem and Scout’s summer neighbor. His parent’s do not trouble themselves with him and because he comes from a ‘broken’ family, he gets shifted around to various relatives. During the summers, he is usually at his Aunt Rachel Haverford’s home. Dill loves to tell stories and is a gifted character actor. During the summers, Jem and Scout appreciate his story-telling abilities and his willingness to do the bit roles in the little stories they like to act out.
During Dill’s first summer in Maycomb, he becomes fascinated by the recluse Boo Radley and spends his time telling stories about him and trying to get Scout and Jem to help him lure Boo outside of his home.
Walter Cunningham Jr.
Walter is the son of a very poor man. However, the ‘Cunninghams’ are proud and don’t accept anything from anyone. The Cunninghams understand honor. As a result, he refuses lunch money from the teacher. When Scout tries to defend him, she gets disciplined for being sassy. The Cunningham’s represent the hard-working and honest poor white population.
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Warner Books, Inc. 1982. ISBN 0-446-31078-6
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