Tessie Hutchinson is a fictional character from the short story "The Lottery," written by Shirley Jackson. She is portrayed as a seemingly ordinary woman who participates in an annual lottery held in her village. Initially, Tessie appears carefree and even arrives late to the event, joking with other villagers. As the lottery progresses, Tessie's demeanor changes dramatically when she becomes the chosen one. The story explores themes of tradition and conformity, highlighting how Tessie's fate reflects the darker aspects of human nature and societal rituals. Her character serves as a critical lens through which the story examines the consequences of blind adherence to tradition.