To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee centres on Atticus Finch’s attempts to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson, a black man who has been wrongly accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama.

The main characters in To Kill a Mockingbird are Atticus Finch, Scout and Jem, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Learn how Atticus’ tolerant attitude can be seen in his children as the novel progresses.

A theme is an idea that runs throughout a text. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the themes of prejudice, family life and courage are explored.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel and its structure reflects the fact that Scout and Jem mature as the novel progresses. It is narrated by Scout who looks back on events in a chronological order.

If you have worked through all the study guides in this section, you will have an understanding of the context, plot, themes and characters in To Kill a Mockingbird.