Here's why:
* Married: Dimmesdale is secretly married to Hester Prynne, the woman forced to wear the scarlet letter "A" for adultery. He keeps their relationship a secret out of fear for his reputation and social standing.
* Elderly: Though not explicitly stated as "elderly," Dimmesdale is portrayed as aging rapidly due to the stress and guilt of his secret.
* Deformed: Dimmesdale is described as having a "pale face" and a "delicate frame" that suggest a weakened physical state. He also suffers from a mysterious physical ailment that worsens throughout the novel, which could be interpreted as a manifestation of his inner turmoil.
* Scholar: Dimmesdale is a respected minister and a prominent figure in the Puritan community. He is intelligent, eloquent, and knowledgeable in religious matters.
It's important to note that Dimmesdale's "deformity" is not primarily physical, but rather a moral and psychological one, born from his hypocrisy and the burden of his secret.