• The trial of Tom Robinson is about to begin.
• Atticus is concerned about the children attending the trial.
• Jem, Scout, and Dill sneak into the courthouse and sit in the “colored balcony” with Reverend Sykes.
• The courtroom is segregated; the white community dominates the ground floor, while the Black community is pushed to the balcony.
• The judge is described as fair but sleepy-looking—Judge John Taylor.

• The trial begins with testimony from Sheriff Heck Tate.
• Heck recounts how he was called by Bob Ewell and found Mayella Ewell bruised and beaten.
• Bob Ewell testifies next, showing open contempt and racial prejudice.
• Atticus questions Bob’s left-handedness, suggesting he could have beaten Mayella.
• The physical evidence points to a left-handed attacker; Tom Robinson’s left arm is crippled.

• Mayella Ewell testifies. She appears fragile but evasive.
• She claims Tom attacked her when she asked him to help inside.
• Atticus cross-examines her, revealing her loneliness and lack of affection.
• He implies that her father may have beaten her after seeing her trying to kiss Tom.
• Mayella is offended and refuses to answer more questions.

• Tom Robinson testifies, showing himself as honest and compassionate.
• He explains that Mayella often asked him to help around her house.
• On the day in question, Mayella tried to kiss him.
• He ran out in fear, knowing the societal consequences.
• Dill is overcome with emotion due to the way Mr. Gilmer talks down to Tom.

• Dill and Scout step outside and meet Dolphus Raymond, a white man who lives with the Black community and pretends to be drunk to avoid judgment.
• He explains people need an excuse to understand why he defies social norms.
• Atticus delivers his closing argument, urging the jury to overcome racial bias.
• He emphasizes the principle that all men are equal in a court of law.

• Calpurnia interrupts court to give Atticus a note that the children are missing (but they’re in the balcony).
• The children are allowed to stay for the verdict.
• The jury deliberates for a long time but finds Tom guilty.
• The Black spectators silently stand in respect as Atticus leaves.

• Jem is heartbroken over the verdict, feeling the system failed.
• The Black community shows gratitude by sending food to Atticus.
• Miss Maudie comforts the children, reminding them of the moral heroes in the town.
• Bob Ewell spits in Atticus's face and threatens revenge.

• Atticus explains that change is slow and that they should try to understand people like Bob Ewell.
• Jem and Scout discuss the injustice of the jury system.
• Jem begins to understand the complexities of human morality.

• Aunt Alexandra hosts her missionary circle.
• Scout observes the hypocrisy of the women who pity distant tribes while being racist at home.
• News comes that Tom Robinson has been killed while trying to escape prison.
• Atticus is devastated but composed.

• Scout recounts how Atticus and Calpurnia broke the news to Tom’s family.
• Mr. Underwood writes an editorial condemning the injustice of Tom’s death.
• Bob Ewell’s anger intensifies; he vows further revenge.

• Scout returns to school and finds her teacher’s racist remarks contradictory.
• She becomes aware of the gap between words and actions in society.

• Bob Ewell harasses Tom’s widow and tries to intimidate Judge Taylor.
• Aunt Alexandra worries about the family’s safety.
• The school plans a Halloween pageant, and Scout plays a ham.

• Scout and Jem walk home from the pageant.
• They are attacked in the dark.
• Jem is injured; Scout, in her costume, is disoriented.
• Boo Radley appears and saves them, stabbing Bob Ewell in the process.

• Scout describes the attack to Atticus and the sheriff.
• She finally meets Boo Radley and realizes he is gentle and kind.
• Her perception shifts from myth to reality.

• Atticus believes Jem killed Bob Ewell, but the sheriff insists Bob fell on his knife.
• Sheriff Tate decides to protect Boo from attention by calling it an accident.
• Scout agrees, saying exposing Boo would be like killing a mockingbird.

• Scout walks Boo home and sees her street from his perspective.
• She reflects on the lessons of empathy and understanding.
• The story ends with Atticus comforting Scout and reading to her as she sleeps.

These chapters form the heart and resolution of To Kill a Mockingbird, illustrating the destructive power of racial prejudice through Tom Robinson's unjust trial and tragic death. Atticus's unwavering integrity and courage serve as a beacon of hope, while the children, especially Scout, evolve in their understanding of human nature. Boo Radley’s emergence as a silent protector closes the narrative loop, emphasizing the novel’s central message: true goodness is often quiet and unacknowledged. Through courtroom drama and community dynamics, Harper Lee delivers a lasting commentary on justice, empathy, and the human capacity for change.