THE CRUCIBLE NOTES FOR UNIT TEST

John Proctor Local farmer Scorns the hypocrisy of others but is himself guilty of adultery Wants to denounce Abigail as a liar but fears that she will reveal their affair to the town

Abigail Williams 17 year-old niece of Reverend Parris Had an affair with John Proctor Fired by Elizabeth, John’s wife Intelligent, deceitful, and vengeful

Reverend Samuel Parris The minister of Salem’s church Disliked by many in the town Preaches sermons to condemn, not to uplift Paranoid but proud; desires control of others

Elizabeth Proctor John Proctor’s wife Righteous but cold-hearted at times Would never lie for herself but tells a lie to protect John

Thomas Putnam Rich Salem landowner Angry that he is one of 9 sons but has only one daughter Takes advantage of the witch trials by accusing people and then buying their land

Ann Putnam Thomas Putnam’s wife Has lost 7 of her 8 children Is convinced that her children’s deaths were caused by evil spirits Blames Goody Osburn, the midwife

Giles Corey Old, stubborn farmer Fond of filing lawsuits Held in contempt of court Pressed to death with heavy stones when he refuses to answer charges of witchcraft by pleading “aye” (guilty) or “nay” (not guilty)

Martha Corey Giles’s wife Has sharp words for a farmer who neglected the pigs she sold to him Arrested and convicted of witchcraft

Betty Parris Rev. Parris’s 10 year-old daughter Falls into a strange trance after a night in the forest with Tituba and some local village girls

Ruth Putnam Thomas and Ann’s only child; 8 years old Falls into a strange trance after a night in the forest with Tituba and some local village girls

Tituba Slave woman who was brought to America from Barbados by Rev. Parris Convinced by Abigail to perform voodoo ceremonies in the forest at night Mrs. Putnam sent Ruth to Tituba to conjure the spirits of her dead infants

Mary Warren Shy servant girl in the Proctor household Was with the village girls and Tituba in the forest Tries to tell the truth but reverts to lies under pressure

Mercy Lewis Was with the village girls and Tituba in the forest Seems to have no pity for the anguish of the accused Seems to have left her dress in the woods

Susanna Walcott Was with the other girls in the forest Her father accuses Martha Corey of witchcraft over some pigs

Francis Nurse Rich and respected Salem resident An enemy of Thomas and Ann Putnam

Rebecca Nurse Francis Nurse’s wife Beloved by Salem for her wisdom and kindness Is accused by the Putnams of being a witch Refuses to confess

Reverend John Hale Young minister; considered an expert in exposing witchcraft Extremely intelligent and truly devout in his Christian faith At first denounces the accused Tries to save the lives of the accused when he becomes convinced of their innocence

Judge Danforth & Judge Hathorne Presiding judges at the Salem witch trials Honestly believe they are doing the right thing in condemning the prisoners who refuse to confess Hathorne—described as “bitter” and “remorseless” Danforth—described as “a grave man of some humor and sophistication”

Herrick The marshal of Salem Knows and likes many of his fellow townspeople; tries to treat them well in jail

Ezekiel Cheever Serves as clerk of court during the trials Tries hard to do his duty