Character Analysis: DimmesdaleDimmesdale is one of the most intriguing characters in The Scarlet Letter. I think this because in this story he shows that he is a coward and that he is strong, but not brave. Dimmesdale proves himself to be a cowardly individual many times in The Scarlet Letter. He does this by not admitting his sin. Dimmesdale had many opportunities to admit his sin and get the guilt off his chest. The first occasion was when Dimmesdale gave his speech before an audience. He tried to tell the truth but more lies emerged. The second opportunity Dimmesdale had to confess his sin was when he was living with Chillingworth, and Chillingworth told Dimmesdale to confess what was bothering him, and once again, Dimmesdale refused to confess. Finally, the third time Dimmesdale had the great opportunity to confess was at the end of the story, during the feast on the gallows. Standing there with Hester and Pearl, Dimmesdale was still too cowardly to admit his sin and release the anguish from his burning chest. Another way Dimmesdale has shown himself to be a cowardly person is by not confronting Chillingworth. Chillingworth had been plotting revenge on Dimmesdale for a long time. Indeed, Chillingworth's life was dedicated to revenge on Dimmesdale. Said by Hester, Dimmesdale hasn't faced Chillingworth yet. Throughout the book, Dimmesdale was an extreme coward. Dimmesdale's actions in this story were not courageous, but strong. For about seven years this man had to live with extreme guilt. Dimmesdale had many reasons to feel guilty. First of all, he let Hester be labeled an adulteress, while he simply watched. Finally, Dimmesdale felt guilty because he had not raised Pearl as his own. Dimmesdale demonstrated this by being exceptionally affectionate the few times he was around Pearl. An example of Dimmesdale showing affection towards Pearl is that while in the forest, Dimmesdale sweetly kisses Pearl on the forehead. Another action of Dimmesdale that shows that he is strong but not brave, is that Dimmesdale shows extreme self-control. Dimmesdale had to converse with Hester in public.