In Chapter One, the reader learns that Scout Finch grows up in the small, tired town of Maycomb, Alabama, where she lives with her father, brother, and their cook, Calpurnia. Scout mentions that her father, Atticus, is a lawyer, who treats them with "courteous detachment" and enjoys reading and playing with his children. Calpurnia is rather strict with Scout, who mentions that she could feel Cal's "tyrannical presence" for as long as she could remember. Scout enjoys her innocent, fun-filled childhood playing with her older brother Jem and their new friend from Meridian, Dill. The three children spend most their summer days improving their treehouse, acting out dramas based on the novels they read, and "fussing" with each other. When Jem shares the rumors surrounding their reclusive neighbor with Dill, he becomes infatuated with the idea of making Boo Radley come out of the house. Scout is forced to tag along as Dill and Jem make bets about knocking on the door of the Radley home and listen to the neighborhood rumors regarding the Radley family, which are circulated by Miss Stephanie Crawford. Overall, Scout enjoys a pleasant, innocent childhood in Chapter One, where she is surrounded by people who care about her and is always occupied with Jem and Dill.

Scout lives with her older brother, Jem, and her father.  Calpurnia is the family cook, and she helps to raise Scout and Jem.  She is strict with Scout, which the little girl does not like.  When Scout was two, her mother died from a heart attack.  

The Finch family lives in Maycomb, Alabama.  Their small house is on one of the main streets in the town.  Scout's father is a lawyer.  He enjoys reading with Scout, and he has taught her how to read.  When the book begins, Scout is about to start school.  She and Jem meet Dill, who is staying with his aunt for the summer.  In the summertime, Scout, Jem, and Dill enjoy playing around the neighborhood.  They are fascinated with the Radley house.  The Radley family lives in the house down the street.