To Kill a Mockingbird - Summary

Setting

• Town: Maycomb, Alabama
• Era: The Great Depression
• Narrator: Jean Louise Finch (Scout)

Main Characters

• Scout Finch: Young girl, narrator
• Atticus Finch: Scout's father, lawyer with high moral standards
• Jem Finch: Scout’s older brother
• Dill (Charles Baker Harris): Children’s friend, visits from Mississippi
• Calpurnia: Finch’s housekeeper and cook, motherly figure to Scout
• Boo Radley: Reclusive neighbor, mysterious
• Walter Cunningham: Poor child in Scout and Jem’s school
• Tom Robinson: Black man accused of raping a white woman
• Mayella Ewell: White woman accusing Tom
• Bob Ewell: Mayella’s father

Initial Events

• Boo Radley: Children are intrigued by him, enact dramas about his life
• Atticus’s Advice: Reprimands children for mocking Boo
• Mysterious Events: Jem’s pants mended, presents in tree knot-hole

Key Plot Points

• Walter Cunningham’s Visit: Atticus discusses farming with Walter, Calpurnia lectures Scout on manners
• Tom Robinson’s Case: Atticus defends Tom Robinson, faces criticism
• Atticus’s Famous Quote: “It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”

Trial and Verdict

• Incident: Tom accused of raping Mayella Ewell
• Evidence: Tom’s left arm useless, Mayella’s bruises on the right
• Verdict: Tom found guilty despite evidence
• Appeal and Death: Atticus hopes for appeal, Tom is shot attempting to escape
• Impact on Jem: Trust in humanity shattered

Climactic Events

• Bob Ewell’s Revenge: Attacks Jem and Scout, saved by Boo Radley
• Conclusion: Boo kills Bob Ewell to protect children, sheriff covers it up
• Scout’s Reflection: Sees Boo’s perspective, Boo remains a recluse