To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic tale of good versus evil in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. It clearly sets up most characters as either a hero, or a villain through unconventional ways without looking at the obvious choice of the "man with the gun" (112). Although Atticus seems to be the clear hero in the story, some other improbable heroes are evident such as Mrs. Dubose and the Finch children. The one thing that raises them to hero status is also the one thing that hurts them so much. In to Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee portrays true heroes as people who persevere through hardships even though they know that they will lose.
The Finch children begin to learn the meaning of a true hero and begin to show it themselves. Scout, who still at a young age, doesn't fully understand the meaning of a true meaning but at the request of his father, becomes an example of one. At school, Scout is well known for her quick temper and ability to get in fights. Since Atticus took the case, Scout is getting in a lot more fights to not opnly defend her honour, but to defend her family's as well. However, Atticus confronts her and tell her to hold her "head up high an keep those fists down", which upsets Scout (76). The next day, Scout decides to listen to Atticus and when she is challenged by Cecil Jacobs, Scout decides the walk away. All the children begin to call her a coward and laugh at her but Scout keeps her head up high. Even though she knows that all the kids will insult her, Scout goes through with it anyways. Jem also becomes an example of a hero when he is at the jailhouse with the Sarum mob. Despite being severely outnumbered, Jem decides to stand by his father and defend the door to the jailhouse. Armed with guns and other weapons, the Sarum mob can seriously hurt Jem, but he doesn't care. All that matters to him is that he stands by his father and supports what he believes in. This just shows that true heroes do not have to be old and wise, and do not have to make huge sacrifices.