In The Scarlet Letter, Pearl is the daughter of Hester and Reverend Dimmesdale. She is the product of an affair between the two, one which leaves her mother ostracized by their Puritan society. Pearl lives most of her early years isolated, with only her mother to interact with. Hester seems to almost fear little Pearl. Pearl has an impish, close to evil quality about her. She is both a blessing and punishment for Hester. Pearl does not learn that Reverned Dimmesdale is her father until near the end of the story, and then refuses to show any affection for him until he publicly acknowledges she and her mother. When Dimmesdale dies, a change comes over Pearl. Antagonist up until that point, her father's death melts away her black magic.
"'Thou wast not bold!-thou wast not true!'-answered the child. 'Thou wouldst not promise to take my hand, and mother's hand, to-morrow noontide!'" (page 144)
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