What was Chillingworth like at the start of the story?

At the novel's beginning Chillingworth is secretive. His arrival in the community is unexpected; his reason for remaining is to find out exactly who fathered Hester's child. It's not as if he wants his wife back, in fact, it's the exact opposite. What he wants is to inflict as much emotional torture on the two as possible.

At first...... everyone thinks he's great, but over time a number of people see the evil in his face.