You could certainly get several different answers to this
question as it is purely a matter of opinion, but here is how I would characterize Heck
Tate:
"Local": as the sheriff of Maycomb County, he
dresses, acts, and speaks the part. He is well known and well respected by most. He
knows and respects Atticus and does his best to support him throughout the trial (gives
warning of the upcoming mob incident, testifies honestly, etc). He is also a "local
boy" in that he knows his town and he knows the prejudice that exists. He does his best
to be honest and just, but he is not a revolutionary. He does not necessarily attempt
to stir anything up nor be a leader of
change.
"Humble/polite": Heck Tate is not a glory seeking
sheriff. This is evident by the way he speaks to people with respect even though he is
the sheriff and isn't necessarily required to do this for anyone. It is also shown in
the quiet evening he is home (instead of at church where most go to socialize) when his
house is vandalized. His testimony at the trial also reveals his humility. Though he
is well known in the town, he is almost embarrassed to be speaking in front of everyone,
and so he looks down at his knees.
"Sensitive": Heck Tate
certainly shows sensitivity toward the case and toward Tom Robinson and Atticus in his
support. The best evidence of his sensitivity however, comes at the very end of the
novel when he refuses to blame Boo Radley for Bob Ewell's
death.
For more on Heck Tate, a couple of chapters that
might help you to review are Chapter 10 (The Mad Dog Incident), Chapter 17 (Tate's
Testimony), and Chapter 31 (Boo Radley Incident).
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