Lois McMaster Bujold once said, “Reputation is what other people know about you.” Honor is what you know about yourself. Atticus Finch, heroic figure in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a MockingBird, is known as a white lawyer who defended a "black" man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, the daughter of a disturbing man, Bob Ewell. Atticus knows his reputation is in danger when he decides to file a complaint against a black man. He is named for this case because Mayella Ewell accused an innocent black man, Tom Robinson, of raping and beating her. She fails to admit the truth because she obeys her father. In the 1930s, racism was extremely crucial and regardless of the truth, a white person was more likely to be believed than an African American. Miss Maudie, the Finches' neighbor, tells the children: "There are men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant work for us." Your father is one of them” (Lee 219). Atticus Finch is well respected and someone everyone can look up to in Maycomb, Alabama as well. Throughout the novel, Atticus presents himself as a calm, courageous, and open-minded person. One of the many reasons Atticus is a respected person in Maycomb is his courage. Atticus is a courageous person because he tries in every possible way to help those in need. When there was a rabid dog wandering the streets that seemed extremely ill, Maycomb depended on Atticus to help him get rid of the rabid dog. Atticus being the brave man that he is, that's exactly what he did. Atticus rushed to where the mad dog was and shot him. Atticus showed his children that he was a brave man when he entered that street to confront the mad dog. Jem and Scout were proud and impressed by his courage in a risky situation. Mr. Heck Tate even says: “You haven't read yet that he is indeed a professional and calm person. In conclusion, today in our world, many people see someone as an admirable leader and a heroic figure. Whether it's a sister, brother, parent, or celebrity, everyone has someone they look up to. Just like the people of Maycomb admire Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch is a good man who has demonstrated so many characteristics and he is undoubtedly the heroic figure of Maycomb. Atticus presented himself as a calm, courageous and open-minded person. His great qualities and personality also earned him the respect of African-Americans. Only someone with such pride and honor would be able to accomplish this. When Atticus put his reputation on the line, he knew it was troubling, but he wasn't going to be seen as a typical Maycomb person. Therefore, Atticus has a great impact in the novel To Kill a MockingBird by Harper Lee..