Characterization: Mayella Ewell.

     Mayella Ewell has been through a lot in her nineteen years. Her alcoholic father abuses her physically and sexually and she doesn't have anyone in her life to love and care for her. Her family is dirt poor and uneducated, so poor that the only reason her family is not on the bottom of the food chain is because they are white. The only attractive thing in Mayella’s life is her red geraniums outside the families’ metal shack; she takes pride in them when she isn't taking care of her many siblings. It was only natural for Mayella to have an affair with Tom. It was exciting, dangerous, and gave her power that she didn’t have in her own home. Mayella has had such a lack of respect in her life than when someone like Atticus finally shows her respect she takes offence and is unwilling to accept it. When called to testify on the witness stand she does nothing but lie. Not out of choice though, but to protect the people in her life. If Mayella's dad goes to jail because of his actions, she won’t have any parental figures to guide her and she will lose her many siblings. Mayella may have been abused by her insensitive father but the she only has herself to blame for the deed she did to Tom Robinson. Even though Mayella Ewell lies on the witness stand, she is still a sympathetic character.