Aunt Alexandra, Atticus's sister, moves into the Finch's house in Maycomb. Jem and Scout are accustomed to the independence Atticus gives them. They spend a great deal of time away from home, playing and exploring. Atticus does not mind this.

Scout describes Aunt Alexandra as fitting "into the world of Maycomb like a hand into a glove" (Chapter 13). She does not fit into Jem and Scout's world that well. When Aunt Alexandra arrives, it is summertime and the children spend much of their time outside because of the school holiday. They see Aunt Alexandra at mealtime and in the evening, after they have come back inside. Scout's summertime activities keep her busy enough that she hardly has to see her aunt.

Aunt Alexandra frequently invites church ladies over to socialize. She sometimes asks Scout to take part in the conversation. Scout prefers to be outside rather than talk to distant relatives and Aunt Alexandra's Maycomb friends.