An article about autism in fictional characters included him, whose ‘reward’ is to have his brave act go unrecognized

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Final Jeopardy clue challenged contestants with a thought-provoking literary reference from the mid-20th century. Falling under the category “1960s Novel Characters”, the clue read:

“An article about autism in fictional characters included him, whose ‘reward’ is to have his brave act go unrecognized.”

This clue called for knowledge not only of classic literature but also of evolving interpretations of character behavior and psychology. It referenced a figure whose quiet courage is central to a major American novel.

Who is Boo Radley?

The correct response was: Who is Boo Radley?

Boo Radley, a reclusive character in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in American fiction. Though his presence in the novel is subtle and mostly off-page until the final chapters, Boo plays a critical role in the storyline, especially in the climax. The clue refers to Boo’s selfless act of saving Scout and Jem Finch from an attack, an event that marks his only direct interaction with the children he’s watched over for years.

His heroism, however, does not result in public praise or celebration. Instead, Sheriff Heck Tate decides to conceal Boo’s involvement in the death of Bob Ewell to protect him from the spotlight. As Atticus Finch explains, exposing Boo would be akin to killing a mockingbird—something innocent that only ever did good. Thus, Boo’s reward for bravery is to return to his life of solitude, his act of courage recognized only by a few.

Literary Interpretation and Psychological Insights

The Smithsonian Magazine article referenced in the clue discusses fictional characters who may display traits consistent with autism, even if the works never label them as such. Boo Radley is among the examples. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Boo is depicted as socially withdrawn, intensely private, and focused on specific routines—traits some modern readers interpret as signs of autism spectrum disorder.

Though Harper Lee never suggested this interpretation in the text, contemporary perspectives have expanded how readers analyze character behavior, especially in historical fiction. This shift has prompted renewed discussions on Boo’s actions and the way his neighbors misunderstand or fear him, reinforcing the idea that he’s misjudged due to his differences.

Thematic Weight in Harper Lee’s Narrative

Boo Radley’s limited presence makes his final act in the novel all the more impactful. He represents innocence, vulnerability, and misunderstood goodness. His story arc complements the central themes of To Kill a Mockingbird, particularly the dangers of prejudice and the value of empathy. The novel consistently challenges readers to see the world through others’ eyes, and Boo becomes a symbol of that moral imperative.

His heroism, hidden from the public and quietly accepted by a few, contrasts sharply with other displays of valor in literature that are rewarded with accolades or recognition. Instead, Boo returns to the shadows, his dignity intact but uncelebrated. This outcome, while tragic in some respects, underscores the integrity of his character and the moral complexity of the novel’s resolution.

Cultural Resonance and Continued Analysis

Over the decades, Boo Radley has remained a subject of academic and cultural examination. Interpretations have shifted from seeing him purely as a ghost-like figure to recognizing him as a person shaped by trauma, neurodivergence, or social exclusion. These evolving viewpoints speak to the novel’s richness and the power of literature to invite ongoing dialogue.

The Final Jeopardy clue for February 11, 2026, cleverly captured that blend of literary knowledge and cultural insight. By referencing Boo Radley in the context of autism and overlooked bravery, it invited contestants and audiences to revisit a classic novel through a more nuanced lens. The question served not just as a test of recall, but as a reminder of how literature continues to resonate and evolve in meaning over time.