1. The Crucible By Arthur Miller
An introduction To:
Characterizations

2. Introductory Information
Written by Arthur Miller
1953
A fictional recreation of the Salem witch trials, their origins, and a psychological investigation of the act of persecution and McCarthyism.
Began investigations into Miller’s “Communist activities” by Senator McCarthy

3. Main Characters of The Crucible
Physical Description
Personality Traits
Actions
Motivations
Opinion

4. Reverend Parris Mid-40s Widower with children
Not a bad father, just did not understand children
Lacked control in his household
Paranoid and self-pitying
Concerned with what others think of him
Power-hungry
Disliked by parishioners
Hostile

5. Betty Parris 10 year old daughter of Reverend Parris
Falls into “stupor”
After father caught her dancing in the woods
Her illness sparks rumors of witchcraft

6. Abigail Williams Orphaned Niece of Rev. Parris “Strikingly beautiful”
Smart and cunning
“Dissembling”
Hides true feelings and motives
Vindictive
Mysterious rumors about her purity
Leader of the group

7. Tituba Rev. Parris’ slave From Barbados Cares about the children
Is the first accused of witchcraft
Confesses and repents

8. John Proctor Mid 30s Successful farmer Even-tempered and easy going
Thinks for himself
Often seen as a loner
Respected in Salem
Logical and tolerant
Sees himself as a sinner

9. Elizabeth Proctor John Proctor’s wife “Sickly” Virtuous Cold
Eager to please her husband
Timid
Avoids conflict
Often sad

10. Mary Warren 17 years old Proctor’s servant Lonely
Easily influenced by others
Worried

11. Thomas Putnam 50 years old Eldest son of richest man in Salem
Wealthy Landowner
Fights with others over land
Greedy
Nosy
Jumps to conclusions
Vindictive
Little concern for others

12. Ann Putnam 45 years old Thomas’ wife “Haunted” and “twisted soul”
Lost 7 infants
Blames others for misfortunes
Nosy

13. Ruth Putnam Thomas and Ann’s daughter Only surviving daughter
Falls into stranger stupor
After Rev. Parris found dancing in woods
Like her “soul was taken”

14. Reverend John Hale 40 years old from Beverly Specialist in demonology
Intellectual
Reserves judgment
Sensible
His arrival sets the hysteria in motion

15. Mercy Lewis 18 years old Girl in Abigail’s group “Fat”
Sly and merciless
Apathetic
“Beat” Ruth when ill

16. Francis Nurse Respected in the town Self-made man
Serves as unofficial judge for disputes
Self-made man
Resented by others
Target of jealousy
Enemy of Thomas Putnam

17. Rebecca Nurse 72 years old Francis’ wife Gentle, caretaker
Calm and strong
Experienced
Believes “sickness” just boredom of teenage girls
Reasonable
Wants peace and tolerance in Salem

18. Giles Corey 83 years old “Comical Hero” Cranky Deeply innocent
Ignorant and uneducated

19. Martha Corey Giles’ third wife Enjoys reading
Leads to her accusation of witchcraft

20. Ezekiel Cheever Clerk of the court Upright citizen
Determine to perform duty for court

21. Deputy Governor Danforth
60 years old
Grave
Allows humor
Still business-like
Great respect for court
Honest
True Puritan
Believes he is doing what is right
Sense of Justice

22. Judge Hathorne Presides over the witch trials Rushes to judgment
Impatient
Partial and unfair