The father of Jem and Scout, and Tom Robinson’s lawyer. He is fair-minded, courteous, forward-thinking, courageous and a teacher of life’s morals.

The narrator, aged six at the beginning and nine at the end. She is a tomboy and is bright, observant, confident, innocent and non-judgemental.

Scout’s brother; nearly ten at the start and almost thirteen at the novel’s close. He is courageous, resourceful, idealistic and thoughtful. Like Atticus, he has a strong sense of justice.

The Finch family cook. She acts as a surrogate mother for Jem and Scout, is firm yet kind, and acts as a bridge with the black community.

Jem and Scout’s childhood friend from Mississippi. He is curious, sensitive, has a vivid imagination and is involved in Jem and Scout’s pranks against Boo.