Why Atticus?

If I could become one character out of all the characters I've read about in fiction, it would definitly be Atticus Finch, from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird". And yes, that includes serious thinking about Jane Eyre, Elizabeth Bennett, and Woodstock, (who I feel lives a life of great creativity, ease, and a slightly warped sense of humour). But, there never has been serious compettition for the place of Atticus. His strength, courage and kindness are equal in their depth, and he has a fierce sense of humilty and gentleness. I love that one can be fierce in gentleness , fierce in kindness and fierce in humility. Just saying the name aloud..."Atticus", fills me with the best I could ever hope to be. I guess you could learn a great deal about me by reading the book. Wouldn't that be a great game at a party...Write the fictional character you would most like to become, then everyone place the names in a hat and read aloud and have everyone guess who chose which character. But I would love to go further and have each person tell why that particular character has a hold on them. I feel like we would learn so much more about a person from such an exercise, than a series of conversations at school, work or church. I like that idea so much, that you now have been warned if you come to my house for a party or just a informal chat.