Dill

In Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" Dill plays an important role. This young boy is one year older than Scout and three years younger than Jem. Dill's blue linen shorts and fluffy white hair make him a unique character. Each summer, Dill moves in with his Aunt Rachel in Alabama and resides with her until the start of school in Mississippi. His first summer in Alabama marks the start of the kid's deep interest in the Radley's. Always questioning activities and actions of the Radley's, Dill makes the kid's imaginations run ramped. Although the first summer was fun-filled, the next summer is home to their true adventures. While recreating scenes from plays and movies, Dill serves as the "Merlin actor" which means he plays all of the hard roles like the ape in Tarzan. Dill's eccentric behavior adds some flair to his group of friends. During their voyages, Dill is always interested and curious about the world, especially Boo Radley's house. This interest in the house motivated the other kids to have the same interests in the Radley residence. Dill's curiosity pushes the limits on dares given between the children. While talking to Jem about going up to Boo Radley's house and touching it Dill asks him sarcastically, "Smatter? Still scared?" in order to get him to complete the dare. Not wanting to be outdone by Dill Jem finally touches the house despite his fright. The activity between the children and the Radley house may not have been possible without the presence of Dill. Each summer he comes back, the more involved they become with the Radley's. As the dreamer of the group, Dill's imagination about what Boo Radley looks like, how he acts, how he talks, . . . keeps the kids occupied. Dill is a major factor in the involvement of the kids with this crazy house. He is an extremely important and unique dynamic character.