Roger Chillingworth

Roger Chillingworth is a key character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," published in 1850. He is the estranged husband of Hester Prynne, who bears a child out of wedlock. Chillingworth embodies themes of revenge and the darkness of the human soul; after discovering Hester's affair, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the identity of her lover, leading him down a path of moral corruption. His character represents the destructive power of obsession and provides a counterpoint to Hester's struggle for redemption and societal judgment. Chillingworth's transformation throughout the story highlights the impact of sin on individuals.