preview

To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus Character Traits

Decent Essays

Atticus, a central character in To Kill a Mockingbird, seems to know the right thing to do in every situation. Whether raising his children or doing his job, he does it to the best of his ability. Sometimes this means risking his safety and popularity. Throughout the story, most of the people in Maycomb think of him as a troublemaker, and few recognize the honorable characteristics he has. The people of Maycomb view his actions through the lense of racial bias and hatred. Atticus tries to demonstrate a new way of thinking to Maycomb and makes his decisions based on doing what is right and showing respect to all people no matter what. Defending a black man in a racially segregated society requires strength and integrity. Throughout the story, Atticus shows incredible virtue through his bravery, level headedness, and dedication. …show more content…

He shows bravery regardless of any fear of personal attack or fear of harm to his children. Although an unpopular decision in Maycomb county, he takes on the job of defending Tom Robinson, a black man, willing to risk the anger of the people in order to do what he thinks right. Even against unlikely odds, he courageously takes on the case, because it would go against his conscience to fail to take action. Showing his perspective on bravery after Mrs. Dubose’s death, Atticus tells his children, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. (149)” Going against popular belief, he shows his children that real courage is rare, but with it, they can be the one to make a

Get Access