Who was Mr. Gilmer in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

Mr. Horace Gilmer is the prosecutor in the Tom Robinson case. He squares off against Atticus and attempts to prove that Tom Robinson was guilty of assaulting and raping Mayella Ewell. Mr. Gilmer is one of the novel's antagonists who displays his prejudiced against African Americans throughout the trial. Scout does not view Mr. Gilmer's behavior as offensive because she realizes that the relationship between the prosecutor and defense lawyer is strictly professional. However, Dill notices the way Mr. Gilmer disrespects Tom by talking down to him and asking him unfair questions. Mr. Gilmer is not as erudite as Atticus and essentially relies on the fact that Tom's skin color is enough to convince the jury that he is guilty. Mr. Gilmer presents absolutely no evidence to convict Tom but uses the jury's prejudice to sway their decision. Mr. Gilmer successfully wins the case, but his victory is an example of blatant racial injustice.