preview

Dill Character Analysis

Good Essays

Many people may think minor characters don't contribute at all to the structure of a book. But much of the importance of a minor character comes from the way they help shape other major characters. Along with forming these elements, minor characters also help develop and set up new themes throughout the book. They support the progression in the plot while giving additional understandings about the major characters. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a complex novel that gives insights into the prejudice contributed by race and class. Although many minor characters in the book don't affect the development of the novel, they carry significant weight. Among one of these characters is Dill Harris. Harris is introduced in the book as an adventurous …show more content…

Over the course of the novel, it becomes clear that Dill is becoming more mature as the Tom Robinson case progresses. On page 266 Dill states, “‘I don't care one speck. It ain't right, somehow it ain't right to do ‘em that way. Hasn't anybody got any business talkin’ like that--it just makes me sick.’” To be specific, Dill witnesses this complexity during the cross-examination of Tom Robinson in the trial. He becomes very uncomfortable with the way Tom is mistreated and excessively interrogated for being black. This evidence shows that Dill becomes more aware and identifies the seriousness of the case. He argues about the injustice served to Robinson. Dill feels a strong attraction towards this case because he recognizes the prejudice and anger against race and class that are arising in the Maycomb society. In other words, Dill becomes more intellectually developed as a result of thinking more deeply about peoples’ beliefs. For this purpose, Dill’s character demonstrates maturity because he transforms from the beginning to the end of the novel. As the Tom Robinson case comes to a closure many people become agitated about the verdict. In a similar way, Dill portrays his maturity on page 289 when he states, “‘Yes sir a clown’ he said. ‘There ain't one thing in this world I can do about folks except for laugh, so I’m gonna join the circus and laugh my head off.’” It is clear from the statement above that Dill is trying to lighten the mood. He understands that people are having a tough time coping with the case and therefore tries to brighten their atmospheres. In this circumstance, Dill is mature enough to recognize the tension in the room and takes action to diffuse the tension. Overall, Dill becomes more composed as a character after these events compared to earlier. The prime purpose of these incidents are to support the theme of maturity in the

Get Access