I believe that Atticus does what is necessary, and what he thinks is right for him, his children, and others.
Scenarios:
1. When Atticus shoots the dog to protect the people that he loves.
2. Defending Tom Robinson, even though he doesn't have to.
3. Making Scout go to school. Many people besides Atticus could think this to be right, but Atticus still believes that sending Scout to school was the right thing for her.
Atticus starts having this trait from the beginning of the story, but he uses this trait more frequently as the story goes on. He becomes better at using this trait as the story goes on.
