The Scarlet Letter: Characterization
Characterization is the creation of believable fictitious personalities.
The basic methods of characterization include:
1. an explicit statement by the author
2. the character’s description
3. the aspects of setting which reflect influence on the character
4. the character’s actions, including mannerisms
5. reactions of and to the character
6. the character’s thoughts
7. the character’s words
8. what others say about the character
The Scarlet Letter: Character Traits Worksheet
Hawthorne introduces all four main characters within the first three chapters. Use the
following chart to record your observations of each main character.
Words/Actions/Reactions/Descriptions
Hester Prynne:
Pearl:
Arthur Dimmesdale:
Roger Chillingworth:
Character Traits Revealed