The Scarlet Letter centers around one
sin, adultery. Most of the other sins in the novelradiate from that one. I assume from
your question that you're referring to adultery as the "initial sin." The three
characters you mention each respond differently to this sin/crime of
adultery.
Hester is relatively unmoved by it, despite the
fact that she suffers the most public shame. It's clear as the story progresses that
Hester had no regrets about her actions; in fact, we know she would do it all over
again, as she was willing to leave with Arthur and live as an unmarried couple. Hester
is unrepentant of her sin. Arthur, on the other hand, is consumed with guilt over his
actions. He clearly loved Hester once, as he's not the type of man who would sin in
such a way if he were not moved by a great passion. He has trouble living with himself
after they have been found out (okay, after Hester has been found out) and regularly
abuses his body in the unfulfilled hope of purging his soul of guilt. He does appear to
have repented and made peace with God before he dies. Roger Chillingworth is the wronged
party in this sin, and his initial reaction is unexpectedly mild. He understands his
marriage to Hester was not based on love, and he seems willing to forgive Hester based
on the small comfort he found with her before she left for America. The revelation is
the beginning, though, of a deadly descent into bitterness and revenge for
Chillingworth. Once he is thwarted in his quest for revenge he has no reason to
live.
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