An important character in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is Atticus Finch. This character is important because he helps us to see the racial prejudice and discrimination in the the small town of Maycomb county. "You'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life...." a statement directed at his children as he tries to help prepare them for their futures.

Atticus shows great courage in overcoming racism and stereotyping during the 1930's whilst raising two young children, both reaching into the adult world. Through the young eyes of jem and Scout Finch we watch the issues that arrise and the struggles that follow.

We learn right from the start that Atticus knows he cannot win a particular case defending a black man but he takes it on anyway. "I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn't try to help that...