Chillingworth

Chillingworth is a complex character from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel *The Scarlet Letter*. He is a learned and intelligent man who seeks revenge after discovering his wife’s affair. Instead of confronting her directly, he becomes obsessed with uncovering her lover’s identity, which leads him to be morally and emotionally corrupted. Chillingworth’s relentless pursuit of retribution causes him to lose his empathy and humanity, highlighting how obsession and vengeance can distort character and ethics over time.