Who Roger Chillingworth is
Roger Chillingworth is a learned man, much older than Hester, whose life has centered on books and study. He sends her ahead to the New World, but his delayed arrival leads her to believe him dead.
When he finds her on the platform in Boston, he signals that she must not reveal him. He later visits the prison as a physician and asks her to keep his identity secret.
What Roger Chillingworth wants
Chillingworth wants to discover and punish the man who has wronged him. He acknowledges his own part in an unhappy marriage, yet turns his attention toward revenge.
Roger Chillingworth and the others in the story
His medical knowledge earns the town's trust and brings him close to Arthur Dimmesdale, whose health is failing. The two men share a house, where the doctor watches for signs of hidden trouble.
How Roger Chillingworth changes
At first, Chillingworth appears quiet and scholarly, but his search becomes a source of cruel pleasure. He moves from seeking a secret to enjoying the suffering of the man he suspects. Hester notices the change in him and becomes horrified by what her silence has allowed.
Questions
Who is Roger Chillingworth?
Roger Chillingworth is the name Hester's husband adopts when he establishes himself as a doctor in Boston.
Why does Roger Chillingworth hide his identity?
He keeps his marriage secret while pursuing the man who wronged him. He makes Hester promise not to reveal who he is.
Is Roger Chillingworth evil?
He has a real grievance, but he chooses to make revenge his purpose. His growing enjoyment of another person's pain makes him a figure of private cruelty.