"The story is told by Jean Louise Finch (Scout) who recalls the events of several years of her childhood. At the time she lived in a small town called Maycomb in Alabama."
" "
"Scout begins her story with the arrival of Dill, a boy who becomes friends with her and her brother Jem."
"Dill is fascinated by the stories the children tell about the mysterious and sinister Boo Radley, and persuades them to come up with various schemes to 'make Boo come out'."
" "
"The children never do succeed in making Boo emerge, although their games continue over the next two years. As they grow and mature, we begin to get hints that Boo is not a monster after all."
7
"The focus of the novel now changes, with Atticus, Jem and Scout's father being assigned to defend a negro, Tom Robinson, in a case of rape."
"In the prejudiced southern town, it is a hopeless case, and attracts much criticism of the family."
"However, Atticus believes in Tom's innocence and fights valiantly to defend him."
" "
"Although Tom's innocence seems clear, he is convicted, and later dies while trying to escape from prison."
" "
"Bob Ewell, who was shown to be an ignorant and evil man during the trial, has sworn to get his revenge on Atticus."
8
"He viciously attacks Scout and Jem, but surprisingly Boo Radley comes to their rescue and kills Ewell."
" "
"Scout finally gets to meet Boo, confirming what she has long suspected - that he is a shy and gentle man."
" "
"Those involved agree to shield Boo from the frightening process of a murder investigation and trial."
"Scout realises that to reveal the truth would be like 'killing a mockingbird' - harming something that never harms anyone."
