Take a story's temperature by studying its tone. Is it hopeful? Cynical? Snarky? Playful?
Sarcastic, Dry
Jean Louise is pretty much the person you would expect Scout Finch to grow up to be: smart, snarky, and unafraid to speak her mind.
She has refined her dry, sarcastic humor, which is best in evidence when engaged in witty repartee with her beau, Henry. After Henry tells her how to treat a man, Jean Louise smirks:
"Hank, I agree with everything you've said. You are the most perspicacious individual I've met in years, you are six feet five, and may I light your cigarette?" (1.88)
She also turns her wit on her relatives: "Yes indeedy," said Jean Louise wryly" (8.26) before launching into an attack on her aunt's racist beliefs. She has a way of making others feel unarmed in a battle of wits.