To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, displays a wide variety of characters who each have different values, morals, and perspectives on life. The story is centered around a girl named Scout who recalls important and events and interactions with both noble and traitorous characters back in her childhood. These interactions give her a greater understanding of the cruelties of the world. She realizes that every person around her, no matter how good, has a flaw in their character, except one. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee creates Atticus, the “ideal” character, by combining the best traits of the other characters from the book into one man.

            Like Atticus, Mrs. Dubose shows her noble traits; however, her perpetual crankiness and negative attitude reveal flaws in her character. Mrs. Dubose is a neighbour, “Two doors to the north of [the Finch’s]” (Lee 6). The reader finds near the end of the first part that “Mrs. Dubose was a morphine addict” (111). However, she was a noble lady who wished to live with integrity. She was therefore suppressing her drug addiction because she wanted to be, “Beholden to nothing and nobody” (112). Although her motives were noble, she was incessantly cranky and constantly hurling insults at Scout and Jem. Whenever the children passed her house they have to endure “her wrathful gaze, [and are] subjected to ruthless interrogation regarding [their] behaviour, and given a melancholy prediction on what [they] will amount to be when [they] grow up” (98). Like Mrs. Dubose, Atticus possesses the valuable characteristics of being noble and living with integrity. This integrity can be seen through his indifference to defend both black and white. He takes up the case of Tom Robinson despite opposition from friends and family. However, in contrast to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus does not insult others, but respects them. In keeping with his morals, Atticus is always kind to Mrs. Dubose despite the cruel things she calls him. Both Atticus and Mrs. Dubose are noble characters. However, Mrs. Dubose, unlike Atticus, is habitually negative: an obvious character flaw.

            Although both Atticus and Aunt Alexandria wish the children, Scout and Jem, to be well-mannered, Aunt Alexandria wrongly imposes her views upon them by solely using restrictions. Aunt Alexandria decides to stay at the Finch’s home because she believes it will be, “Best for [the children] to have some [respectable] influence” (127). While her intentions are to help the children, she only does them harm by constantly rebuking them for their childish actions. This continual rebuking causes Scout to become rebellious and intentionally disobey her commands. Atticus, on the other hand, does not discourage his children with harsh condemnation, but rather gives them constructive criticism. He shows them respect, treating them like adults, and in turn receives their respect.  He does not hastily judge them for their actions, but gives them time to explain themselves as Scout tells Uncle Jack, “[Atticus] doesn’t just listen to one side of [the argument]” (86). Both Atticus and Aunt Alexandria wish the best for the children. However, Atticus treats them respectfully and in turn receives their respect; while Aunt Alexandria’s constant nagging causes the children to rebel.

            Atticus and Tom Robinson share many similar qualities since they both want justice and truth to prevail; however, Tom Robinson is too passive and shy when defending his case, giving up hope too easily. Tom Robinson has, “Nothing to hide” (190). He wants the truth of his innocence to be made clear in court. This desire is revealed through his readiness to answer any question he is asked. Tom is opposed with many harsh questions, which Dolphus Raymond describes as, “The hell white people give coloured folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people, too” (201). Yet Tom persists in giving his account. However, when given the chance to appeal to the court, he declines the offer. This shows that although Tom desires justice to be seen and done, his passive behaviour causes him to give up the case too quickly. Atticus also wants the truth to be made known as he relates to Link Deas, “[Tom Robinson] might go to the chair, but he’s not going until the truth’s told” (146). However, unlike Tom, Atticus is assertive in his actions and does everything in his power to defend Tom’s case. Both Atticus and Tom Robinson desire the truth to be known and justice to be carried out, yet Tom Robinson is too passive to defend himself properly.

            Atticus is a “faultless” character because he only possesses the commendable traits of the other characters. Comparing the three analyzed characters above to Atticus, he only resembles their good side, not their flawed side. Atticus is noble like Mrs. Dubose, but not cranky or insulting. He wants the best for his children like Aunt Alexandria, but does not cause them to rebel by implementing strict rules; and he wants justice and truth to rule like Tom Robinson, but is not passive or shy. Atticus is a role model that our society must try to imitate. He is the perfect example of what kind of people we must aim to be.