Atticus stands behind what he truly believes and takes the next step by also instilling his morals in his children, Jem and Scout. Because he shares his ethics with his children, he prevents outsiders from manipulating them. Outsiders such as Cecil Jacobs, Francis, and Mrs. Dubose convey their disapproval of Atticus towards Jem and Scout, who learn to hold their heads high and maintain the same courage they see in Atticus.

             Almost all the citizens of Maycomb resent Atticus for his position on racial issues yet they still have respect for him because they always count on Atticus to muster up courage to do Maycomb"s "dirty work." This is best portrayed from the incident when Tim Johnson, a rabid dog, is loose on the streets. "Take him, Mr. Finch," says Heck Tate, the police chief, as refers to Tim Johnson. Heck, afraid to shoot the rabid dog, wishes to hand the gun and thus the responsibility to a hesitant Atticus Finch. Mr. Tate justifies his stance by saying that this is a "one-shot job" because the Radley house will be hit if his own marksmanship is off and he knows Atticus "was the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time." Atticus doesn"t believe in shooting anymore but he realizes that Heck Tate is right and that he must take the responsibility. He successfully shoots Tim Johnson in one shot after a refrain from shooting a firearm for more than thirty years. This responsibility is very heavy and difficult to bear, but Atticus understands and fulfills his role of doing the "dirty work" because he has the courage to do so. He bears this responsibility throughout the novel and he does not change much as he always upholds his values and bravery. He is not afraid to stand in front of the Maycomb County jail and protect Tom Robinson from a lynching mob because Atticus always does his best to do what"s right. Atticus recognizes that it is his duty to protect Tom Robinson, so that is what he does.