Who is Boo Radley to Scout and Jem? How do the children and the community shape his identity for him?

Arthur "Boo" Radley is the Finches reclusive, misunderstood neighbor who is the victim of abuse and rumors throughout the community of Maycomb. At the beginning of the novel, Scout and Jem view Boo Radley as the "malevolent phantom" who is responsible for all small crimes committed in the neighborhood. The children view Boo Radley as a legendary figure who dines on squirrels and resembles a monster. Much of their knowledge comes from Stephanie Crawford, the town gossip, as well as their imaginations. Stephanie tells the children she caught Boo peeping in her window one night, and that he stabbed his father with a pair of scissors, which adds to his negative reputation. The Radley's defy Maycomb tradition and do not participate in social events, and even keep their shutters and doors closed, which is virtually unheard of in Maycomb. Miss Maudie tells Scout that they are "foot-washing Baptists" who chose to keep Boo isolated after a series of childhood pranks. Since Boo comes from a family who is considered different and never leaves his house, he cannot defend his reputation, resulting in his mysterious, misunderstood identity. The children hear these stories, pass his spooky home, and let their imaginations run wild. In reality, Boo is a sympathetic, shy character who happens to live in an ominous looking house.