Atticus Finch is a heroic character in To Kill A Mockingbird. A hero is a person known for certain achievements and qualities. Atticus is known for many qualities he displayed throughout the novel, as well as various accomplishments. This makes him a heroic character. Atticus Finch is a hero because he defended a black man in court, demonstrated his skills and intelligence, and cared for everyone equally. In a time when blacks were thought to be inferior to whites, Atticus defended a black man in court. He told his sons, "I'm simply defending a negro: his name is Tom Robinson" (p. 75). It took a lot of trust and care on Atticus' part to defend Tom, and the black community knew that Tom had no chance without Atticus' help. They respected him and considered him a hero. They proved it when they defended him in court. Reverend Sykes said to Scout in the courtroom, "Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father is dying" (p. 211). The entire group of blacks who were there stood up for him. Additionally, the parishioners of Calpurnia Church made Jem and Scout feel welcome when they visited their church. This showed that blacks also respected Atticus' family. If Atticus was simply doing the best he could in a difficult circumstance, then he would not be as respected as he was by the black community. Black people highly recognized the qualities Atticus displayed in defending Tom and considered him a hero for these qualities. Throughout the novel, Atticus demonstrated his many skills and intelligences. He had earned the nickname "One-Shot Finch" because he had always been Maycomb's deadliest marksman. He saved the city from a rabid dog by shooting it with a single shot. Jem and Scout were amazed when their neighbor, Miss Maudie, told them, “The very idea, didn't you know his nickname was Ol' One – Shot when he was a boy,” (p. 98). Her children thought Atticus could do nothing, until Miss Maudie explained to them that he was also the best checkers player in Maycomb and that he could play the jew's harp. Atticus also explained many things and taught many lessons to his children as they walked the journey of growing up.