Dictionary reference defines courage as “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear ; courage” In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee expresses courage in many ways throughout the novel. In the novel, almost all the characters show courage in their lives. Courage is the internal desire to succeed and do what is right, regardless of the consequences of your decision. Throughout the novel, Atticus defines courage as "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you've been licked before you start but get started." anyway and you will make it no matter what. One of the central themes of the novel is that a brave man is a man who does not run away but fights against his enemy even if he knows he will lose. Atticus Finch is probably one of the bravest people in the novel. Throughout the book, despite being called a "nigger lover" by many people in Maycomb, he had a lot of courage in taking the case and defending Tom Robinson even with all the threats of violence. He is also brave in the face of danger. in front of the crowd of men outside the prison, even though he knew he could get hurt or killed. “In obedience to my father, there followed what I later realized was a disgustingly comic aspect of an unfunny situation: the men talked. almost whispers. “You know what we want,” another man said. “Move away from the door, Mr. Finch.” (pg.202) He uses himself as a human shield to protect Tom Robinson from the Cunningham He knows that no one in Maycoms will trust a black man's word against a white man's and that he will probably lose the trial, but he does his best for... middle of paper... ..death, but to leave this world free from addiction. Atticus uses Mrs. Dubose as an example of true courage to show Jem that courage is not a man with a gun, but someone who fights for what is right, whether he wins or not. In conclusion, courage is not fighting or killing. or do something scary or dangerous. He is a person who resists fighting even if he knows he will lose. All of these characters display different forms of courage in the novel. Atticus risks every day of his life as a black man and he knows he will lose. Jem and Scout try to protect her father from the mob outside the prison and refuse to leave him alone. Dubose tries to die by freeing himself from his morphine addiction even though he knows he will die in the process. They all stood by what they believe in and refuse to give up or give up.