Atticus not only shows that he firmly believes in justice, but also that society's racist thoughts and speeches did not influence how he would defend Tom, but just gave him a reality check about how hard he has to work to prove Tom's innocence. After his hard work he was respected not only by the white community, but also by the black community, although he did not care whether it was white or black who respected him, because under the flesh, the warm heart is the same. Atticus was well known and well liked by his neighbors and community, which allowed him to be in a position to take on the next big assignment. Last but not least, he is a hero. A hero for defending a human being and defending him with his latest knowledge, a hero for having had a great influence on his children and everyone who knows him and also a hero, for believing in justice rather than in the thoughts of society! In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is depicted as an esteemed individual in the Maycomb community, a man who rightfully believes that justice will prevail, and who is also portrayed as a hero to all..