How does Jem Finch's justifiable and tolerant character in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' make him a significant character in the novel?

Jem Finch's justifiable and tolerant character make him significant throughout the novel because he parallels Scout's moral development and embodies Atticus' beliefs and teachings. Jem looks up to his father, Atticus, who is the morally upright character and the epitome of justice and tolerance. Jem is much more than Scout's older brother and playmate. He is a leader, caretaker, and loyal son throughout the novel. Since Jem is older than Scout, he experiences different situations...

Jem Finch's justifiable and tolerant character make him significant throughout the novel because he parallels Scout's moral development and embodies Atticus' beliefs and teachings. Jem looks up to his father, Atticus, who is the morally upright character and the epitome of justice and tolerance. Jem is much more than Scout's older brother and playmate. He is a leader, caretaker, and loyal son throughout the novel. Since Jem is older than Scout, he experiences different situations and provides an additional perspective to many rememberable scenes. The reader views Jem's maturation from a young, imaginative boy to a pre-teen infatuated with sports. Jem learns valuable lessons throughout the novel, such as courage and tolerance. Jem's experience with Mrs. Dubose gives him insight into the duality of human nature and teaches him the true definition of courage. Jem is the first to understand that adults lie when Nathan Radley fills the knothole in the tree with cement. Jem also loses his childhood innocence after witnessing Tom Robinson's wrongful conviction. Atticus raised Jem to be a fair, tolerant, understanding individual, which is why Jem is so distraught when he witnesses injustice. Jem's actions, perspective, and maturation compliment Scout's character, as well as Atticus' tutelage.