Atticus Finch
Quick Summary
Atticus Finch is a central character in Harper Lee's acclaimed novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. He is a widowed lawyer in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression. Atticus is known for his strong moral compass and his commitment to justice and empathy.123
He serves as a role model for his children, Scout and Jem, teaching them the importance of understanding others and standing up for what is right, even in the face of prejudice. A pivotal moment in the novel is when Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, a case that exposes the deep-seated racism within the community. Atticus Finch's character, famously portrayed by Gregory Peck in the 1962 film adaptation, has become an enduring symbol of integrity and moral courage.231
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Aaron SorkinMove into directing…Jeff Daniels portraying the lead, Atticus Finch. In 2020 Sorkin returned to the big screen with The Trial of the Chicago 7, which he wrote and directed. Based on true events, the drama centers on a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968…
Read More…Jeff Daniels portraying the lead, Atticus Finch. In 2020 Sorkin returned to the big screen with The Trial of the Chicago 7, which he wrote and directed. Based on true events, the drama centers on a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968…
Read More
Ed Harris…Harris returned to Broadway, portraying Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, an adaptation of Harper Lee’s acclaimed novel. He also appeared in the film The Last Full Measure (2019) as a Vietnam War survivor, and he played General George Patton in the World War II movie
Read More…Harris returned to Broadway, portraying Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, an adaptation of Harper Lee’s acclaimed novel. He also appeared in the film The Last Full Measure (2019) as a Vietnam War survivor, and he played General George Patton in the World War II movie
Read More