Character Analysis: Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird

What is the purpose of the character, Atticus Finch, in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.?
Purpose -
1. Highlight the language in the quotations about Atticus Finch that identify his purpose in ‘ To Kill a Mockingbird’
2. Create your own summary of the purpose of Atticus Finch using the language (words and phrases) you have identified as well as your knowledge of Atticus.

3. In 2 to 3 sentences, synthesise the evidence you have collected from the sources and your own views on Atticus Finch to answer the question:
What is the purpose of the character, Atticus Finch, in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird?
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Quotations about Atticus Finch
Quotes from ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions," said Atticus, "but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." - Atticus Finch 114
"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Mrs Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew." Atticus Finch
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." Atticus Finch
‘The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." Atticus Finch
It was times like these when I thought my father , who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.’ Jem p 111
Quotes from secondary sources
‘Atticus represents morality and reason in To Kill a Mockingbird. As a character, Atticus is even-handed throughout the story. He is one of the very few characters who never has to rethink his position on an issue. ‘ Spark notes
‘Atticus Finch is one of the most steadfastly honest and moral characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird“ by Harper Lee and his character remains, for the most part, unchanged throughout “To Kill a Mockingbird”. As any character analysis of Atticus Finch should note in terms of the plot of “To Kill a Mockingbird” he begins as an upstanding citizen who is respected and admired by his peers and even though he loses some ground during the trial, by the end of To Kill a Mockingbird he is still looked up to, both by his children and the community as whole—with all class levels included.’ Article Myriad
‘Because of his penetrating intelligence, calm wisdom, and exemplary behavior, Atticus is respected by everyone, including the very poor. He functions as the moral backbone of Maycomb, a person to whom others turn in times of doubt and trouble.’ Cliffnotes
‘Atticus is even-handed throughout the story…..Atticus is heroic figure in the novel….. Atticus is the character least affected by prejudice in the novel.’ Jill Douglas Character Analysis of Atticus Finch