Background and Social Status Bob Ewell is the head of the Ewell family in the town of Maycomb. His family is known for being very poor and living in dirty conditions behind the local dump. The townspeople let Bob bend the rules, such as hunting out of season, because they pity his children. The only thing that gives Bob any sense of pride or status in the town is the color of his skin. The Trial of Tom Robinson The central conflict of the story begins when Bob accuses a Black man named Tom Robinson of raping his eldest daughter, Mayella. During the trial, Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson and proves that Bob is left-handed and likely beat Mayella himself. Even though the evidence shows Tom is innocent, the all-white jury convicts him because of racial bias. Anger and Vengeance Even though Bob wins the court case, he is furious because Atticus exposed his lies and ruined his reputation in the town. Bob feels humiliated and vows to get revenge on everyone involved in the trial. He loses multiple jobs quickly and blames Atticus for his ongoing failures and loss of public respect.