Hester Prynne: Protagonist and wearer of the Scarlet Letter

Arthur Dimmesdale: Puritan minister in Boston

Pearl: Illicit daughter of Hester and Dimmesdale

Roger Chillingworth: Hester's aged husband. Real name: Prynne.

Governor Billingham: Former governor of Boston

Mistress Hibbins: Billingham's sister. Symbol of evil.

John Wilson: Boston's elder clergyman.