The Scarlet Letter: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in The Scarlet Letter, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

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the narratorThe narrator describes his work as Surveyor in Salem and his shame over his ancestors’ persecution.First seen in chapter 1
HesterHester is a mother publicly shamed on a scaffold while carrying her baby and wearing a scarlet A.First seen in chapter 3
BellinghamBellingham is the governor whose mansion Hester visits to deliver gloves and oppose losing Pearl.First seen in chapter 8
DimmesdaleDimmesdale is a minister who supports Hester when she appeals to keep Pearl in her care.First seen in chapter 9
Mistress HibbinsMistress Hibbins is a woman whose invitation to a forest gathering Hester refuses.First seen in chapter 9
John WilsonJohn Wilson questions Pearl, who tells him her mother picked her from a rosebush.First seen in chapter 9

Chapter 1
The narrator describes Salem, his ancestors, his work as Surveyor, and his removal from that position.
Chapter 3
Hester emerges from prison carrying her baby and stands on the scaffold wearing a scarlet A.
Chapter 4
Hester recognizes a stranger in the crowd but refuses the ministers’ demands to name her child’s father.
Chapter 5
Chillingworth treats Hester and her baby, reveals himself as her husband, and vows to discover her lover.
Chapter 6
Hester settles with her infant in an isolated cottage and supports them through embroidery.
Chapter 7
Pearl faces rejection from other children and troubles Hester with her behavior and interest in the scarlet letter.
Chapter 9
Dimmesdale persuades Bellingham to let Hester keep Pearl under religious supervision.
Chapter 10
Chillingworth becomes Dimmesdale’s physician and housemate, studying the minister for clues to his illness.
Chapter 11
Chillingworth uncovers the sleeping minister’s chest and reacts with astonished delight.
Chapter 12
Chillingworth secretly torments Dimmesdale, whose suffering strengthens his preaching and increases public reverence.
Chapter 13
Dimmesdale stands with Hester and Pearl on the scaffold at night but refuses to join them publicly at noon.
Chapter 14
Hester recognizes Chillingworth’s harm to Dimmesdale and resolves to confront him.
Chapter 15
Hester tells Chillingworth she must reveal their relationship, but he rejects her appeal to forgive.
Chapter 17
Hester takes Pearl into the forest to await Dimmesdale and tell him the truth about Chillingworth.
Chapter 18
Hester reveals that Chillingworth is her husband and deliberately torments Dimmesdale.
Chapter 19
Dimmesdale decides to flee with Hester, who removes her scarlet letter and loosens her hair.
Chapter 20
Pearl refuses to approach until Hester replaces the letter, then resists Dimmesdale and washes away his kiss.
Chapter 21
Dimmesdale returns from the forest, resists frightening impulses, and writes a new Election Sermon.
Chapter 22
At the holiday marketplace, Hester learns that Chillingworth plans to join their voyage.
Chapter 23
Dimmesdale’s sermon draws admiration, while a shipmaster’s message deepens Hester’s fear for their escape.
Chapter 24
Dimmesdale mounts the scaffold with Hester and Pearl, confesses publicly, and dies after Pearl kisses him.
Chapter 25
Chillingworth dies and leaves Pearl his wealth; after years away, Hester returns alone and freely wears her letter.
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