What is the difference between Dill and Jem?

The main difference between Jem and Dill is that Jem is a leader, and Dill is a follower.  Even though both boys have creative imaginations, Jem seems to run things when it comes to what they are going play and do.  For example, he starts the “Boo Radley” plays they act out over the course of a summer.   Jem also seems to be a realist in the ways he looks at life.  He understands that...

The main difference between Jem and Dill is that Jem is a leader, and Dill is a follower.  Even though both boys have creative imaginations, Jem seems to run things when it comes to what they are going play and do.  For example, he starts the “Boo Radley” plays they act out over the course of a summer.   Jem also seems to be a realist in the ways he looks at life.  He understands that he needs to tell Atticus that Dill has run away, and he repeatedly breaks up fights Scout has with other children at school because he knows it is wrong.  Dill seems to have his head “in the clouds” with his stories about an abusive father who chains him up and his tales of Dracula.  Jem also seems to have stronger values when it comes to telling the truth and respecting people.  Dill lies more about himself and others. 

Both boys are sensitive as shown by their reactions to the guilty verdict of Tom Robinson.  As characters, we feel that Jem is stronger and more stable than Dill, and that could be because of his upbringing and Atticus’ daily influence.