Jean Louise (Scout) Finch
Scout is the main character and narrator of the story. Throughout the story, she learns her role in society and matures gradually. Scout is nearly five when the book starts and is very unusual for a young girl in Maycomb. Not only is she a brave and confident tomboy, she is also unusually intelligent for one of her age and social position in Maycomb. She learns most of her lessons from Atticus, who has raised her without chaining her to the tradition and hypocrisies found in Maycomb. She always acts with the best intentions and is ignorant to most of the prejudices and racism in her home town and the world.
Jeremy Atticus Finch
Jem is Scout's older brother and companion. He too undergoes a serious character change from the beginning of the book to the end. He is ten when the book begins; during part 1, he is a playful and immature young boy. He shies away from his responsibilities at the beginning of the book and tends to do reckless things. By the end, he realizes his responsibilities and becomes a young man. Jem probably undergoes one of the most drastic changes from beginning to end, mainly because of the court scene. After losing the trial, Jem experiences a nervous breakdown and collapses emotionally. Keep in mind that this is still during puberty, where life is still confusing and unpredictable. He starts becoming more self-sufficient and overall becomes more like Atticus towards the end of the book.
Atticus Finch
The most highly respected citizen of Maycomb, Atticus is respected by the poor, Negroes, and his neighbors. He left Finch Landing in order to pursue law and has become the best lawyer in Maycomb. He is also the moral support of Maycomb and the Finch family. He has a unique way of parenting, where he lets his children think and act freely to an extent, knowing that they have to explore the world and the people that live in it. Atticus' character stays relatively consistent throughout the book and is the one that children look to for answers and guidance. Most of the themes in the book come from Atticus explaining something to Scout or Jem. The town only starts to lose respect for Atticus after the court scene, being that he defended a black man and tried. Even then, he is still the most respected figure in the town and he gained moral support from the black community.