Describe Dill and the influence he has on Scout and Jem.

When Jem and Scout first meet Dill, also known as Charles Baker Harris, Scout describes him as a "curiosity." He has white hair, blue eyes, and although shorter than Scout, he is a year older. Dill lives in Meridian, Mississippi, but spends summers with his Aunt Rachel in Maycomb County. Dill proudly announces that he can read and shares that he is the winner of a "Beautiful Child contest." By telling Jem about the movie Dracula, it seems as though Dill earns Jem's respect. In chapter 5, Scout recalls Dill asking her to marry him but says that he "promptly forgot about it."
Dill influences Scout and Jem through his interest in Boo Radley. Chapter 1 of To Kill a Mockingbird begins with Scout looking back on the events that lead to Jem's broken arm. Jem believes the events begin with Dill giving them the "idea of making Boo Radley come out." Dill seems to be fixated on Boo Radley the way "the moon draws water." On a dare from Dill, Jem runs and slaps the side of the Radley house. The children believe they see a movement of one of the window shutters inside the house thus beginning their events with Boo. Dill is involved when Jem loses his pants while trying to escape the Radley property, and he accompanies Scout and Jem to the trial of Tom Robinson.