Scout (Jean Louise Finch) Narrator of the story. The story takes place from the time Scout is aged 6 to 9, but she tells the story as an adult. Scout is a tomboy who would rather solve problems with her fists than with her head. Throughout the course of the book, Scout comes to a new understanding of human nature, societal expectations, and her own place in the world.
Atticus Finch Maycomb attorney and state legislative representative who is assigned to represent Tom Robinson. A widower, Atticus is a single parent to two children: Jem and Scout.
Jem (Jeremy Atticus Finch) Scout’s older brother who ages from 10 to 13 during the story. He is Scout’s protector and one of her best friends. As part of reaching young adulthood, Jem deals with many difficult issues throughout the story.
Aunt Alexandra Atticus’ sister. Aunt Alexandra lives at Finch’s Landing, the Finch family homestead, but she moves in with Atticus and the children during Tom Robinson’s trial. She is very concerned that Scout have a feminine influence to emulate.
Francis Hancock Aunt Alexandra’s grandson. He taunts Scout about Atticus, getting her in trouble.
Uncle Jack Finch Atticus and Aunt Alexandra’s bachelor brother who comes to visit every Christmas. He is a doctor who, like Atticus, was schooled at home.
Calpurnia The Finch’s African American housekeeper. She grew up at Finch’s Landing and moved with Atticus to Maycomb. She is the closest thing to a mother that Scout and Jem have. One of the few Negroes in town who can read and write, she teaches Scout to write.
Zeebo The town garbage collector who is also Calpurnia’s son. He’s one of four people who can read at the First Purchase African M.E. Church.
