Hester and Dimmesdale are the most human characters. They can be seen as both good and evil, because both good and evil lie within them. Hawthorne uses symbolism to portray both sides of the spectrum.

The most prevalent symbol that develops Hester's character is the letter `A'. The reader is introduced to the `A' in the very beginning of the book when Hester walks out of the prison. The letter is embroidered on her chest and is meant to stand for adultery, it stands as a physical reminder of Hester's sin. Ultimately, the letter gives Hester strength and empathy that no one else in the Puritan society has or could hope for; Hester bears her cross and becomes a better person for it.

The...