The crucible/characters
John Proctor
John Proctor is a man who fights for justice in this play. Arthur Miller personated him as a proud man. He plays the type of "hero" in the whole story and tries to bring back the usual life (before Abigail and the girls accused women to be witches). He is a sharply intelligent man who can easily detect foolishness in others and expose it. He is honest and upright but in one way he is also weak. He can't stand the lust for the affair to Abigail.
Because of this affair with Abigail Williams, Proctor questions whether or not he is a moral man, yet this past event is the only major flaw attributed to Proctor, who is in all other respects honorable and ethical. It is a sign of his morality that he does not feel himself adequate to place himself as a martyr for the cause of justice when he is given the choice to save himself at the end of the play.
Elizabeth Proctor
Her personality is supposed to be that of a cold and demanding wife who has problems to show her feelings and emotions. Her chilly demeanor she feels may have driven her husband to adultery. She is a very virtuous woman who has great confidence in her own morality and in the ability of a person to maintain a sense of righteousness both internal and external, even when this principle conflicts with strict Christian doctrine. Elizabeth's strict adherence to justice and moral principles is similar to John's.
Abigail Williams
Abigail is a malicious, vengeful girl who, in an attempt to protect herself from punishment when her cousin falls ill after Reverend Parris finds them dancing, instigates the Salem witch trials and leads the charge of accusations. Despite her accusations, Abigail is an unabashed liar who charges witchcraft against those who oppose her, even Elizabeth Proctor in an attempt to take her place as Proctor's wife. Her motivations never seem more complex than simple jealousy and a desire to have revenge on Elizabeth Proctor. Indeed one can state that she is the villain in the play. She knows how to manipulate those people - she can be sure about - are afraid of her. She knows how to frighten them.
Abigail's callous nature stems partially from past trauma; she is an orphan who watched as Indians murdered her parents.
Mary Warren
She is a weak and tentative girl who challenges the Proctors when they forbid her to go to the court. She is timid and easily influenced by those around her. However, Mary Warren eventually breaks down and testifies against Abigail until Abigail charges her with witchery. She is a pliable girl whose actions are easily determined by others.
Reverend Parris
Parris is a paranoid, power-hungry, yet oddly self-pitying pastor.
He is very concerned with building his position in the community.
He is continually beset with fears that others conspire against him. Parris knows the truth that Abigail is lying about the dancing and the witchcraft, but perpetuates the deception because it is in his own self-interest. Parris fears any defense against the charges of witchcraft as an attack upon the court and a personal attack on him. As a pastor, his primary concern is his own position in the community.
Reverend John Hale
Hale is the man who approaches the situation precisely and intellectually, believing that he can define the supernatural in definitive terms.
Despite his early enthusiasm for discerning the presence of witchcraft in Salem, Hale soon grows disillusioned with the witchcraft accusations that abound and defends Proctor when he challenges Abigail. Hale does this to a great degree out of guilt, for he fears that he may have caused the execution of innocent persons.
Thomas Putnam
He is a vindictive, stubborn and bitter man who holds longstanding grudges against many of the citizens of Salem, including the Nurse family for blocking the appointment of his brother-in-law to the position of minister. He seems to like arguing with those other citizens and defend his opinion.
Rebecca Nurse
Rebecca Nurse is one of the most noble and well-respected citizens of Salem. Her personality is emphasized through her wise, sensible and upright actions.
She is kindly and sane, suggesting from her significant parenting experience that Betty's illness is simply the manifestation of childhood. She is the clear martyr in the play, the most pure and saintly character hanged for witchery.
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