Dill’s claim to fame is that he won a Beautiful Child contest.
The children meet Dill when he comes to stay with his Aunt Rachel during the summer. They are fascinated with him because he is a new kid, and he seems a bit unique. Dill tells them his life story, including a tidbit about how he won five dollars.
His family was from Maycomb County originally, his mother worked for a photographer in Meridian, had entered his picture in a Beautiful Child contest and won five dollars. She gave the money to Dill, who went to the picture show twenty times on it. (Ch. 1)
The children seem impressed that he has seen so many picture shows, since the opportunity to do so is a bit limited in Maycomb. Dill’s knowledge of the movies makes their make-believe games more interesting, as does having another actor to play more characters.
“Don’t have any picture shows here, except Jesus ones in the courthouse sometimes,” said Jem. “Ever see anything good?”
Dill had seen Dracula, a revelation that moved Jem to eye him with the beginning of respect. “Tell it to us,” he said. (Ch. 1)
Dill is fascinated with a good story. He tells a few whoppers himself. He also is curious about the story of Boo Radley. He believes that Boo is just misunderstood and lonely, and his goal is to make him come out so that they can talk to him. Jem and Scout are not disposed to think of Boo so pleasantly, but they do not want to be considered chicken.
Dill does not have much in his life. His mother ships him off every summer, and he doesn’t know his father. This is why Dill tells stories. He loves a good story, true or not.
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