To Kill a Mockingbird

Act One

A grown woman, Jean Louise Finch, tells the audience about her childhood in Maycomb, Alabama with her older brother, Jeremy “Jem” Finch, and her father, esteemed lawyer Atticus Finch. We see a girl named Scout, Jean Louise as a young girl, playing on a tire swing. Miss Maudie, the Finch’s elderly neighbor, appears and explains to Scout that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they don’t hurt anyone, they just make music. The family maid, Calpurnia, calls Scout inside to wash up before Atticus gets home. Heck Tate, the town sheriff, and Judge Taylor pass by looking for Atticus before neighborhood gossip Miss Stephanie appears. She describes Arthur “Boo” Radley, the mysterious recluse who she says went insane after he stabbed his parents. Next to pass by is Reverend Sykes, a black minister. He is taking up a collection for Helen Robinson, wife of Tom Robinson. Tom has been arrested for raping a young white woman, Mayella Ewell. Mayella and her father, Bob, appear. Jean