Would you believe a person was a hero just because they chose to be quiet? Not many people would, unless they have read To Kill a Mockingbird. This book shows that a hero does not have to be someone who saves peoples lives or solves world hunger. In To Kill a Mockingbird heroes help portray the story of a family living in Alabama during the 1930's, a family whose father is representing a black man on trial accused of rape. Harper Lee demonstrates the nature of a hero through Atticus' faith in what he believes in, Scout's courage, and Tom Robinson's bravery.
             Atticus is a hero because he stands up for what he believes in. Although his community looks down upon him he does not give up. He has the courage to take on and carry through with a task that is most likely to end in failure. "For a number of reasons, said Atticus, the main one is if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this country in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again" (Lee 75). Atticus explains to his children that if he gave into what society wanted him to do, which is to go against his belief in representing a man he thinks is innocent, he has no right in representing anyone in a court of law. Atticus stands up for his right to represent who he wants no matter what his community says is right. Atticus is not the only character that is deemed courageous in To Kill a Mockingbird.
             Even though Scout is only a young girl she can be seen as a hero. A difficult form of courage is the moral courage that Scout has to find in order not to retaliate when her friends call her father names. "My folks said your daddy was a disgrace an' that nigger oughta hang from the water-tank! I drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away" (Lee 76). Scout avoids a fight with the boy because she had promised Atticus she wo
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