why are there minor characters and do they represent ideas or attitudes?

Minor characters reflect various ideas of Puritan ideology. They exist,with the exception of Pearl, as backdrop and conflict for Hester Prynn. Pearl is a reflection of Hester's greatest sin sin and her greatest accomplishment, she is purity personified seen by the others as sin personified. Check out the link below,

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Importance-Of-Minor-Characters-In-Shakespear-1767105.html