Brady is a well-known politician (he ran for the presidency of the United States three times), an excellent orator, a fundamentalist, and a leader of the crusade against the theory of evolution. When he learns the Butler Law is being challenged in Hillsboro, he volunteers to prosecute the defendant, Cates. Brady's mission is to make an example of Cates and to defend the "Living Truth of the Scriptures." When he arrives in Hillsboro with his wife, Sarah, and is greeted by a large crowd of townspeople and the mayor, he "basks in the cheers and the excitement."
Brady's character represents that of William Jennings Bryan, who was the prosecuting attorney for the Scopes trial. Although similarities exist — Bryan was a brilliant politician (he also ran for the presidency three times), a great orator (known as The Great Commoner), a fundamentalist, and a leader of the crusade against teaching Darwin's theory of evolution as truth in public schools — significant differences exists. For example, unlike Brady, Bryan was not out to get Scopes, he was familiar with Darwin's theories, and he did not fall apart on the witness stand. Nor was Bryan the narrow-minded, pompous, hypocrite that is depicted in Brady; in fact, Bryan was known as a cooperative, kind, and charming man.
Lawrence and Lee describe Brady as a large man who appears to be self-confident, kindly, and gracious. "He is gray, balding, paunchy, an indeterminate sixty-five." As he begins to speak to the crowd that meets him at the train, Brady's personal magnetism is obvious; the crowd is in awe of him, and the mayor bestows upon him a commission as Honorary Colonel in the State Militia. Brady is impressed with his new title and the adulation he receives.
