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Minor Characters in To Kill a Mockingbird

            In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird minor characters are utilised to explore major themes throughout the novel. One of the major themes discussed throughout To Kill a Mockingbird is prejudice. Characters within the text all experience prejudice in their lives; some are prejudiced and some are recipients of prejudice. Dolphus Raymond is a constant recipient of prejudice and is used to communicate the ideas of prejudice to the reader. Aunt Alexandra is one of the most prejudice characters included in the novel, and is not only prejudiced against one group of people but many. Mayella and the Ewell family are crucial characters in the exploration of prejudice as they are both prejudiced and are recipients of prejudice. .
             Dolphus Raymond demonstrates the theme of prejudice throughout Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Dolphus Raymond is a white man married to a black woman with mixed race children. For this, he is regarded by the majority of the Maycomb community as an evil man and they perceive that he is a senseless drunk. The population see him this way due to prejudice; they assume that he must be senseless and evil as he lives with black people whom the majority of Maycomb are prejudiced against. Mr Raymond is a very interesting character as he accepts the prejudiced views of the community, as shown in the quote: '"Some folks don't - like the way I live." [] "I try to give 'em a reason, you see. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason." [] "they could never, never understand that I live like I do because that's the way I want to live."' (221). This emphasises that the population of Maycomb are very prejudiced and are firmly set in their ways. The quote also displays how Dolphus understands how the community thinks. He uses this knowledge to his advantage, he appeals to their preconceptions so he can live the life he chooses to lead. He is willing to compromise his status to fit into society in the minds of Maycomb's population.


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