Questions and Answers
Who is the protagonist punished for committing adultery in the novel?
Who is Pearl Prynne?
The impish, illegitimate child of Hester and Arthur
What is Rodger Chillingworth's role in the novel?
Who is Arthur Dimmesdale?
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What does Governor Bellingham attempt to do?
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Who is Mistress Hibbins?
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What is Reverend Wilson's role?
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Who is Apostle Elliot?
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Who is Governor Winthrop?
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What is Master Brackett's role?
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What does The Sexton maintain?
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Study Notes
Main Characters in "The Scarlet Letter"
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Hester Prynne: Central character condemned for adultery; symbolizes compassion and resilience, often referred to as a "sister of mercy."
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Pearl Prynne: Hester's mischievous and spirited daughter, born out of wedlock; represents the consequences of sin and the innocence of youth.
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Roger Chillingworth: Hester's much older husband disguised as a physician; becomes consumed by revenge and seeks to uncover Reverend Dimmesdale's secret.
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Arthur Dimmesdale: Charismatic young reverend and Pearl's father; grapples with guilt and hidden sin, leading to profound inner turmoil.
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Governor Bellingham: Ruler of the Puritan community; initially attempts to remove Pearl from Hester's custody but is swayed by Dimmesdale's arguments; brother to Mistress Hibbins.
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Mistress Hibbins: Widow living with her brother, Governor Bellingham; rumored to practice witchcraft, providing a contrast to the strict Puritan values.
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Reverend Wilson: Senior clergyman advocating for strict moral codes; known for his harsh views on sin and punishment, representing the rigid societal norms.
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Apostle Elliot: A missionary figure whom Dimmesdale consults in the woods; signifies the connection between faith and the indigenous population.
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Governor Winthrop: First governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; dies while the main characters are publicly shamed on the scaffold, marking a significant moment in the narrative.
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Master Brackett: The jailer in the town, representing the legal and punitive aspects of Puritan society.
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The Sexton: Caretaker of the church; notable for returning Dimmesdale's black glove found on the scaffold, symbolizing the intertwining of sin and society.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the central characters of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, 'The Scarlet Letter'. This quiz explores the complexities and motivations of Hester Prynne, Arthur Dimmesdale, Pearl, and others in a Puritan society. Understand their roles and relationships as you navigate through the story's themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.
