The story is told by the six-year-old Scout (Jean Louise) Finch.

The story takes place during three years (1933-35) of the Great Depression.

Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a young white woman.

Although many of Maycomb's citizens disapprove, Atticus agrees to defend Tom to the best of his ability.

Lee based the beloved patriarch on her own father, A.C. Lee, who worked as a lawyer and once defended two African-American men accused of murder.

"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy ... but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

A white man who has "mixed" children from a relationship with a black woman, Adolphus pretends to be a drunk so the townspeople will have a way to comfortably explain his behavior.

For the Halloween pageant, Scout has to be a ham.

Mr. Gilmer provides a contrast to Atticus, representing the traditional racist values and attributes of the South at the time the story is set.

The children are terrified, yet fascinated by their neighbor, the reclusive Arthur "Boo" Radley.