What happens?

Atticus is 'assigned' (he didn't choose it) the case of a black man, Tom Robinson who is accused of the rape of a white woman, Mayella Ewell. This case becomes the talk of the town and stirs up some racist feelings in the community, particularly towards Atticus "I'm simply defending a negro. His name's Tom Robinson."

Why is it significant?

This is significant because we see through the chapters that it brings out the worst in the community, they frown upon what Atticus is doing and his family also begins to suffer. It shows the changes of the characters and that the Finch family has to be strong to get through these tough times.

The racial slurs become an everyday event for Jem, Scout and Atticus. Even their own family calls them "nigger lover" (Francis, cousin). It is funny that no one liked or respected the Ewells but if it is the word of a white man (no matter how bad) over a black man then white people will always side with white people - no questions asked!

What does it tell us about -

Atticus

He will step up and do the duty that he is asked to do to the best of his ability. He didn't teach his children to discriminate or shy away from a challenge. He is honest and realistic about what is going to happen in the coming days and months. "You know, I'd hoped to get through life without a case of this kind, but John Taylor pointed at me and said 'You're it.'"

"Why people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretednd to understand...I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough..."

Atticus's first priority is his children. He wants them to come out of this experience relatively unharmed.

Scout

Scout hasn't been taught to hate. She doesn't even know what a 'nigger lover' is. She defends Atticus in the only way she knows how - with her fists. Atticus advises against this and Scout must learn to channel her anger and deal with it in a civilised way. She must not let words hurt her - they are only words.

Jem

Stands by his father during this period and tries to adopt a more mature attitude - being a 'gentleman like Atticus'. He does come apart with Mrs Dubose but he learns quickly from his mistake - unlike Scout.

Jem is quiet and we realise that he understands a lot more than what he says. He is reserved and takes the time to mull things over inside his head, before reacting on them - Scout is the opposite.