Before the incident occurs, we find that Scout's views of Atticus are based on appearance. She describes him as "satisfactory" but believes that he can't do anything noteworthy. She can't tell anyone that her father is a champion because there is no evidence she knows of to back it up. Atticus is a lot older than the other children's parents and he is too frail to go outside and play with Scout or help Jem practice his football. Instead of going outside and doing physical activities like hunting and playing games, he spends most of his time either at work or indoors reading and teaching Scout.

Scout trusts Atticus and learns almost everything from him. After he teaches her...