The exposition of "The Scarlet Letter" occurs in the beginning of the novel when the setting is introduced, including the Puritan community of Boston in the 17th century. The main characters, Hester Prynne, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth are also presented. The conflict of the story arises when Hester is publicly shamed for committing adultery and is forced to wear the scarlet letter "A" on her chest. The conflict deepens as the story progresses, as Hester's secret lover, Dimmesdale, struggles with his guilt and Chillingworth seeks revenge on him, further complicating their lives. The main conflict revolves around the tension between societal expectations and the individual's desires and choices.
