What are two examples that show how Tom Robinson is a hero?

A hero is not always someone who saves another person from death or injury. A hero can be someone who demonstrates courage while facing the worst possible odds. This is Tom Robinson. Just the fact that Tom decides to face an all-white judicial system, and testify against a white woman, is bravery beyond belief for the time period. He could have easily given up by confessing to something he didn't do, with the hopes that they'd let him off with a life sentence rather than death, but he didn't. All during the trial, too, Tom never loses his temper. He always conducts himself with pride, dignity, humility and grace.

One way Tom demonstrates his heroic qualities is when he testifies about how he handled Mayella Ewell's advances. Atticus asks Tom, "Did you resist her advances?" Tom responds by saying the following:

"Mr. Finch, I tried. I tried to 'thout bein' ugly to her. I didn't wanta be ugly, I didn't wanta push her or nothin'" (195).

The whole time Mayella Ewell is doing something horrible, Tom is thinking about treating her right and not hurting her. That is heroic. Mayella could have cared less for Tom because she was chasing him for herself, not out of love or anything honorable. Tom, on the other hand, specifically thought of not hurting her in the process of running away.

Tom's next demonstration of courage is found as he faces the prosecution's questions during cross-examination. Mr. Gilmer's tone of voice is rude and condescending the whole time. It gets worse when Tom says that he felt sorry for Mayella and that's why he always helped her out. Mr. Gilmer also corners Tom by asking, "Then you say she's lying, boy?" This is very intimidating with an antagonistic attorney staring him down and a full courtroom waiting to hear what Tom has to say. Tom keeps his cool, though and says, "I don't say she's lyin', Mr. Gilmer, I say she's mistaken in her mind" (197). So, instead of verifying that she is lying, Tom courteously spins his answer to suggest that she just has a different understanding of the situation than he does. This shows that Tom has complete control over his emotions and temper. He is always calm, cool, and collected. He is nervous and intimidated, but he doesn't back down; he doesn't change his testimony; and, he remains strong through the whole trial.