... creates a character who is so loving, passionate, and mistreated that the reader cannot help but feel badly for her. Hester's immense capacity and need for love and passion is what caused her to commit adultery with Reverend Dimmesdale, ultimately causing her isolation and struggles within the Puritan community. Although Hester does not ... literary character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw that, combined with fate and external forces, brings on a tragedy"" (Dictionary.com). Passion for love and affection is Hester Prynne's fatal flaw. A fatal flaw is "a flaw in chara...

• Word Count: 1733
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... for very different reasons. Hester wants to protect the identity of Dimmesdale as Pearl's father in order to protect the minister from the public shame of sin; hers is a totally selfless act of kindness, reflecting her inner character and strength. Dimmesdale, in complete contrast, cowardly hides his sin to protect himself, and for his silence, he suffers inward guilt and shame ... evil. Pearl - the beautiful daughter of Hester and Dimmesdale. She is the living symbol of the scarlet letter and has peculiar traits that make her sometimes appear as a demon. Her love for nature and freedom...

• Word Count: 1929
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School