Tom Robinson

Tom Robinson is a pivotal character in Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," set in the racially charged American South during the 1930s. He is an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman, which highlights themes of racial injustice and moral complexity. Atticus Finch, the protagonist’s father and Robinson’s lawyer, defends him, showcasing the societal prejudices that profit from deep-seated racism. Tom represents innocence destroyed by injustice, serving as a catalyst for the novel’s exploration of ethics, empathy, and the flaws of a prejudiced legal system. His story continues to resonate with contemporary issues of racism.