The character of Tom Robinson is based on real-life events and people that Lee observed growing up in the South during the Jim Crow era.
Here's why Tom Robinson is considered important and realistic despite being fictional:
* He represents the struggles of Black people in the South: Tom is falsely accused of a crime by a white woman, Mayella Ewell, and the trial highlights the racial prejudice and injustice faced by Black people in the South.
* He embodies the theme of innocence: Tom is a kind and hardworking man who is unfairly condemned. His character represents the innocence of those who are wrongly accused and the cruelty of prejudice.
* He serves as a catalyst for Atticus Finch's moral awakening: Atticus's defense of Tom and his fight against injustice force him to confront the deeply ingrained racism of his society.
While Tom Robinson is not a real person, his story reflects the real-life experiences of many Black people during the Jim Crow era, making him a powerful and enduring symbol of the fight for equality and justice.