to kill a mockingbird

I think that courage in the novel is defined by standingup for what you believe in, even in the face of popular opinion and sacrifice on your own part. Certainly when a mob shows up at the jail to "take care" of Tom Robinson both Scout and Jem show courage. Despite Atticus’s orders to stay home, Scout, Jem and Dill show up at the courthouse. Jem refuses to leave sensing his father is in danger. Atticus refuses to let the mob near Tom. When things get heated, Scout makes her way into the crowd and asks Mr. Cunningham about his boy and his life. The simple and kind gesture of a little girl seems to remind Mr. Cunningham of the folly of his ways. Scout diffuses the hostility long enough for Mr. Cunningham, and the mob, to realize just what they are doing. Also Jem does a pretty decent job of fighting Bob Ewell when he attacks them the night of the pageant.