Dimmesdale

Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is a fictional character from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter." He is a respected clergyman haunted by guilt after secretly committing adultery. His internal struggle with shame causes physical and emotional suffering, yet he conceals his sin to maintain his reputation and spiritual standing. Throughout the story, Dimmesdale grapples with the burden of his secret while wrestling with conflicting desires for honesty and societal acceptance. He symbolizes the destructive power of guilt and the importance of integrity, showing how hidden sins can lead to inner turmoil.