Chapters 1-6

In chapters 1-6 of The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is introduced. The reader learns that she has committed a terrible crime of the Puritan era, adultery. As punishment, she is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her bosom for the remainder of her life. Throughout these chapters, the reader also meets Pearl Prynne, Hester's "child of sin", the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, Hester's lover, and Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband. At this time, the reader is not aware that Dimmesdale is Hester's lover or that Chillingworth is Hester's husband. These first six chapters set up the plot and setting of the book. Hester is forced to where the scarlet letter as punishment. She may choose to live anywhere in the world to live, and yet she stays in Boston even though she knows how humiliating it will be. She and Pearl move to the outskirts of the city when she is released from prison. Meanwhile, her husband, Roger Prynne, comes to Boston after being away for two years and sending no word to Hester. To his horror, he sees his wife, Hester standing on the scaffold. He assumes the identity of Roger Chillingworth, a doctor, and vows to find the man who was involved with Hester. The reader also learns more about Pearl Prynne. She is described as beautiful, graceful, and vigorous. However, she is also very uncontrollable. She has a disrespect for authority and a love for mischief. Pearl is amazed and curious about the "A" on her mother's bosom.

Chapters 7-12
In these chapters, it is rumored that Pearl should be taken away from Hester. Alarmed by this, Hester sets out for Governor Bellingham's mansion to plead for the right to keep her child. As they speak, Bellingham claims that Hester is not a child, but rather an "impish elf." Reverend Wilson and Bellingham ask Pearl where she came from, but she replies that "she was plucked off the bush of wild roses that grew by the prison. Meanwhile, Chillingworth earns a respected place in the town. He becomes well-accepted and takes a liking to Reverend Dimmesdale. The townspeople suggest that Chillingworth move in with Dimmesdale and try to determine what is wrong with him. The reader learns about Chillingworth's plot for revenge for Hester's partner in this sin. He continues to live with Dimmesdale and one day finds out that it was Dimmesdale who was with Hester. All the while, Dimmesdale doesn't realize Chillingworth's motives. He grows very weak and continues to punish himself for his sin. In chapter twelve, Dimmesdale goes to the scaffold where Hester stood seven years ago. Hester and Pearl come along and see him. They stand on the scaffold hand in hand. That same night, the letter "A" appears in the sky.

Chapters 13-18
This portion of the book explains how Hester's role and place in the commnity has changed. People no longer look at her as "adulterer", but rather "Able." One day, Hester runs into Chillingworth in the woods while he is picking herbs. She is shocked at his change in character. He is fierce, dark, and cold. She tells him that she no longer wants to keep the secret that he is her husband any longer. Later, Hester is tempted to tell Pearl the truth about the scarlet letter when she spots Pearl placing a letter "A" made of seaweed on her own bosom. A very important part of the book is when Hester decides to meet Dimmesdale in the woods while he is on one of his routine walks to tell him about Chillingworth. When they talk, Hester urges him to move away with she and Pearl to Europe. Dimmesdale later decides to move with them. Both are very happy and excited about their new life ahead of them. Hester, in fact, is so excited that she takes off her letter and throws it in the brook. Her happiness is short-lived, however when Pearl sees that it is not on her bosom and begins screaming.

Chapters 19-24
While in the forest, Hester calls for Pearl but Pearl refuses to come until the scarlet letter is replaced. That evening, when Dimmesdale returns home, he begins to write his Election Day sermon. The next day he gives his sermon. There is a huge crowd, and among the crowd is Chillingworth, who suspects Dimmesdale's plans to leave. This angers him and frightens him because he wants to continue his plot for revenge. Determined to find out the truth, Chillingworth talks to the captain of the ship that is taking Dimmesdale, Hester, and Pearl and learns their plans. Hester is shocked at hearing the news. As the procession passes by Hester is somewhat disappointed when Dimmesdale doesn't give her a brief glance. As he gives his sermon, Pearl plays in the marketplace by herself. She doesn't have any friends and she doesn't fit in with the other children of the town. Soon after the procession proceeds, Dimmesdale joins Hester and Pearl on the scaffold. He tells Hester he is dying and must acknowledge his shame. The crowd is silent as Dimmesdale confesses his sin. He bids farewell to Hester and dies in his arms. His last words are "Praised be his name! His will be done! Farewell!"