Atticus Finch is a wise lawyer, a loving father, and the moral core of Harper Lee’s famous book To Kill a Mockingbird. He lives in a small town in Alabama during a hard time called the Great Depression. Who Is Atticus Finch Atticus is a widower who raises his two young children, Scout and Jem, with the help of a Black housekeeper named Calpurnia. He is a quiet and smart man who does not care about fancy things or showing off. He treats his children with great respect and answers their tough questions honestly. The Trial of Tom Robinson The main part of the story happens when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson. Tom is a Black man who is falsely accused of a terrible crime against a white woman. Even though most people in the town are angry with him for doing this, Atticus agrees to do his absolute best. A Teacher of Empathy Atticus teaches his children important life lessons about fairness and kindness. He tells Scout that you never truly know a person until you walk around in their shoes. He shows them that true courage is trying to do the right thing even when you know you might lose.