Shame influences the actions of characters in Chapter 2 by putting them in positions that they do not want to be in or do not want to accept.

This is shown when Miss Caroline offers Walter Cunningham money which he refuses to accept and she asks why. At this point, Scout backs up Walter by explaining to the teacher that he comes from a poor family. By saying this, Scout shames both Walter and Miss Caroline. She shames Walter by making it clear to Miss Caroline that he comes from a poor family when he didn’t want to but also Miss Caroline as it makes her seem stupid in front of her class. As a result she beats Scout on the hand with a ruler. This is an example of shame influencing the actions of characters.