Reverend John Wilson

John Wilson, the eldest Boston clergyman, calls out to Hester, debates with Dimmesdale, and argues that Hester should name the sinner. Participates in the council, suggests examining Pearl for Christian instruction, and offers horticultural observations. Reverend John Wilson arrives from Governor Winthrop's death-chamber carrying a lantern, passes the scaffold without noticing Dimmesdale, and is imagined to speak with Dimmesdale. Wilson attempts to aid Dimmesdale during his collapse on the scaffold but is repelled. John Wilson acted as co‑executor of Chillingworth’s will.