Dill Harris, a key character in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, is six years old when the story begins. Dill is the young boy who visits Maycomb each summer to stay with his aunt, Miss Rachel. His age plays a significant role in the story, as it represents the innocence and curiosity of childhood, which is a central theme in the novel.
As the narrator, Scout Finch describes Dill as being shorter than her and her brother Jem, and his youthful imagination drives a lot of the playful adventures the trio embarks on. Dill’s fascination with Boo Radley and his imaginative storytelling reflect the innocent wonder of childhood, juxtaposed with the serious themes of racism and moral growth that permeate the book. Overall, Dill’s age underscores the contrast between the simplicity of childhood and the complexities of the adult world that characters in the novel must face.