To Kill a Mockingbird follows Scout and Jem Finch and their father Atticus in 1930s Alabama. Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. Despite evidence of his innocence, racism leads to Tom's unjust conviction. Later, Bob Ewell seeks revenge on Atticus and attacks Scout and Jem, but they are saved by their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley.
4. Conflict
Tom Robinson, an African American man, is accused of raping
Mayella Ewell, the daughter of Bob Ewell in the small town of
Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus Finch, the father of central
characters Jem and Scout, is chosen to represent Robinson
despite the scorn he receives from the general townspeople.
5. Exposition
Setting: The events unfold in a small town called Maycomb, Alabama. It is the Jim
Crow Era of the 1930’s. During that time period, racism was still rampant and
ingrained into daily life.
What’s it about: Adventures and mischief ensues throughout the novel as young
White brother and sister Gem & Scout learn about growing up and dealing with the
societal issues that plague their town.
Main Characters: Atticus, his two children Jem
and Scout, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley.
6. Rising Action
• Scout and Jem meet their friend Dill and tell him about the
story of Boo Radley, their neighbor who never leaves their house.
They tell him of a rumor going around town that Boo is forced to
stay inside his house because he allegedly stabbed his father with
a pair of scissors when he was a young boy.
• The children become obsessed with the stories of Boo Radley,
and go to great lengths to learn more about him.
• After school starts in the fall, Scout and Jem walk home from
school to find gifts placed in an old oak tree in front of the
Radley’s house. The children decide to keep these items that they
believe are gifts from Boo Radley himself. By the end of the
school year, they find bubble gum, Indian head coins, and even
soap carvings of themselves.
7. Rising Action (cont.)
• Atticus is presented with the task of being involved with a high-profile trial in the
town. He is asked to defend Tom Robinson, an African-American man that is being
accused of rape.
• During the following summer when Dill comes back to Maycomb, the three
children get involved with more mischief surrounding the Radley home. They decide
to sneak onto the Radley property to try and see Boo in-person. Mr. Nathan Radley
hears the children, and shoots a gun to scare them off. Jem's pants get caught in the
fence while they were running away, and he has to leave them behind. When Jem
goes back to retrieve them, he finds the pants folded and stitched back up where
they were ripped.
8. Rising Action (cont.)
• The trial began next summer, and Atticus does all in his power to prove his
innocence. The racist jury believes Bob Ewell over Tom Robinson, even though all
signs point to his innocence. Tom Robinson is found guilty.
• Bob Ewell is upset at everyone who aided Tom Robinson in his trial, and swears
revenge on Atticus for defending him.
• When Tom Robinson is being transferred to prison, he attempts to escape and is
shot 17 times by the guards. He dies from the injuries sustains.
9. Climax
Scout and Jem are walking home from the
Halloween pageant and Bob Ewell attacks them.
Then Boo Radley comes out of his house to save
the children from their attacker.
10. Falling Action
• Bob Ewell is killed by Boo Radley.
• Jem breaks his arm while trying to deflect Bob Ewell.
• Sheriff Heck Tate comes over and tells Atticus that they will
say Bob Ewell fell on his own knife to protect Boo Radley from
prosecution.
• Scout finally meets Boo Radley and gets to talk to him.
11. Resolution
Jem and Scout are attacked by Bob Ewell, and are
saved by Boo Radley. Scout comes to the
realization that Boo is a good person. Her
perspective shifts and her maturity and empathy
grow as a result.
