Harper Lee based many characters from her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, on important people in her own life. Her father, a southern lawyer, served as a model for Atticus Finch. Her older sister shared many of the same reclusive qualities as Boo Radley. It can be understood that these people in Lee"s life were only foundations for the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird in view of the abundance of courageousness found in the novel. It would be very difficult to conceive that real people were actually as courageous as Atticus and Boo. To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel that Lee only regarded as a simple love story, is much more than that. This American classic incorporates powerful themes, one of which is courage. Throughout the novel, Atticus Finch is the most prominent figure of courage, displaying his bravery in nearly the entire length of the novel. Atticus" black client that is accused of rape, Tom Robinson, also portrays courage in his composure and disposition. Though only appearing in flesh once, Boo Radley exhibits much courage with his valiant acts. These three major characters show tremendous courageousness from what they do and what they don"t do and they teach each other the true meaning of word.

             Atticus Finch, the central figure of the plot, is the most noble and courageous character and this is easily seen through his actions. His stance against the townsfolk"s prejudice beliefs is a major reason for why he is the portrait of courageousness. Atticus puts all his heart into defending Tom Robinson even though everyone in Maycomb is against Tom because he is black. The citizens of Maycomb carry their disapproval of Atticus into verbal scorn and extreme actions. Despite this, Atticus goes on because he recognizes Tom Robinson"s innocence and he has deeply rooted values of what is right and wrong. His understanding that racism is wrong during the 1930"s in a small town in Alabama and his willingness to go against the consensus of the people shows his genuine courageousness.