While Hester wears the "A" on her chest, Sybil is the "A." She is the physical consequence of the transgression. Hester dresses Sybil in exquisite, scarlet garments, often embroidered with gold thread, mirroring the aesthetics of the letter on her bosom. Sybil ensures that the sin remains visible and public; she is a constant, nagging reminder to Hester of her fall from grace and to Dimmesdale of his hidden guilt.