A most enigmatic character in is Hester Prynne, convicted of adultery in “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The story happens in Boston in mid-17th century during the time of Puritans. Hester, a married woman, has a secret love affair with – of all people – a minister. She gets pregnant but she does not reveal the identity of her lover. Found guilty of adultery, she is made to wear the scarlet letter – A – for Adultery. She wears the red letter even as she gives birth to a baby girl.

Guilt-ridden, the minister eventually confess his sins and dies. Hester’s husband soon also dies, leaving his wealth to – of all people – Hester’s daughter. Hester and daughter leave for Europe , where her daughter marries an aristocrat.

Then – this brings tears to my eyes – Hester, already alone, returns to Boston where she resumes, of her own accord, wearing the scarlet letter! Years later, she dies and is buried in a grave next to the minister’s. Their common tombstone: a letter A.