Character guide

Hester Prynne

major

Also known as Mistress Prynne, Prynne, Mistress Hester Prynne, Hester, Mistress Hester, Madam Hester, Madam

The protagonist, a woman forced to wear a scarlet letter for adultery.

Arthur Dimmesdale

major

Also known as godly Master Dimmesdale, the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, Mr. Dimmesdale, Master Dimmesdale, poor Mr. Dimmesdale, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, Arthur

The young, revered minister who conceals his role in Hester's sin.

Pearl

major

Also known as little Pearl, poor little Pearl, Little Pearl, dear little Pearl, Silly Pearl, Child, the Elf-Child

Hester's wild, elf-like daughter, a living symbol of the scarlet letter.

Roger Chillingworth

major

Also known as old Roger Chillingworth, Old Roger Chillingworth, the mysterious old Roger Chillingworth, Roger, the stranger

Hester's vengeful husband who poses as a physician to torment Dimmesdale.

Governor Bellingham

supporting

Also known as Bellingham, Old Governor Bellingham

A stern colonial governor who oversees Hester's punishment and Pearl's custody.

Mistress Hibbins

supporting

Also known as old Mistress Hibbins

A widow and reputed witch who associates with the Black Man.

John Wilson

supporting

Also known as Father Wilson, venerable Father Wilson, Mr. Wilson, the Reverend Mr. Wilson, good old Mr. Wilson, old Mr. Wilson, Reverend Mr. Wilson, Good Master Wilson, good Mr. Wilson

An elderly, learned minister who questions Hester and later supports Dimmesdale.

Governor Winthrop

minor

Also known as Winthrop

A former governor whose death is marked by a meteor in the night sky.

Master Brackett

minor

The jailer who escorts Hester from prison to the scaffold.

Surveyor Pue

minor

Also known as Mr. Surveyor Pue

The former surveyor of the Custom House who discovered Hester's documents.

Isaac Johnson

minor

An early settler whose land became the site of the prison and cemetery.

Satan

minor

Also known as the Black Man, Black Man, Man, old Black Man, The Devil

The embodiment of evil, often invoked by townspeople and Mistress Hibbins.

Sir Thomas Overbury

minor

Also known as Overbury, kind Sir

A historical figure alluded to in the Custom House sketch.

Phillips

minor

A minor character mentioned in the Custom House narrative.

Matthew

minor

A name briefly referenced in the Custom House section.