Everyone has different traits. In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird the father in the story has some very admirable qualities. Atticus, an almost 50 year old man when the story begins, is a lawyer and a single dad. Lawyers are very often viewed negatively in today's culture; Atticus is an exception. In this story, there are many people with many admirable traits, but Atticus is the most humble and respectful person of all. Atticus is humble, respectful, and is a good problem-solver. There are a very few people who cover up their accomplishments, but Atticus is one of these people. When Atticus was young, he was the deadest shot in all of Maycomb county. To most other people this would be something to brag about for a long time, but Scout and Jem don't even find out about it until Atticus has to shoot a mad dog. When Atticus and Mr. Heck Tate were debating who should take the shot at the dog, Mr. Tate said, “...look where he is! Miss and you'll go straight into the Radley house! I can't shoot that well and you know it!” (96). Atticus has a great talent, but he chooses to not use it till he has to. Atticus does not take pride in this talent, because it is something he did not accomplish himself, it was given to him. …show more content…
There is no time in the book where he is disrespectful to anyone. When many people, including his sister, are saying awful things about him because he is representing Tom Robinson, he pays no regard to them. Often times, lawyers are harsh on witnesses who are on the stand, they are sometimes even quite mean. Atticus is not like this, he pays equal respect to everyone in the courtroom. Miss Maudie Atkinson said, “He's the same in the courtroom as he is on the public streets” (199). This respect he gives to everyone is the main reason so many people look up to and respect