The Crucible Review Characters
John Proctor Shameful Cheats on his wife Honorable Is known in the town as a powerful man who calls out liars. Guilty Ends all relations with Abigail. Tells his wife about his affair
Thomas Putnam Greedy He is the wealthiest man in town. asks his daughter (Ruth) and the girls to accuse people of witchcraft. He wants to buy the repossessed land from the victims of the trials. Deceitful He wrote many of the accusations that the girls made. He had his daughter accuse people that may tell on him.
Abigail Williams Deceitful Emotionally Damaged Obsessive Leads the girls and accuses innocent people of witchcraft. Fools the judges. Has 19 people killed and at least hundreds are imprisoned. Emotionally Damaged Orphan; parents were killed by Indians. Parris takes care of her but he is hated by people in the town. She has a romantic relationship with John Proctor. He uses her and then ends their relationship. Obsessive Loves John Proctor believes Mob Mentality Follow or believe the group’s thinking or actions. May act differently because you follow the group.
Reverend Parris Greedy, Selfish Cares more about his reputation and job than his sick daughter. Is Betty’s father Is Abigail’s uncle Wants the town to give him more respect Wants people to give more money to the church argues with the town about his salary.
Reverend Hale Submissive; coward Hale does not question authority. He suspects that people are confessing to witchcraft to stay alive. However he does not try to stop the trials until hearing from John Proctor and Elizabeth. He knows the trials are corrupt. Warns John Proctor about the court. Examines if he is a good Christian. Tells people to confess to avoid punishment.
Love Triangle Proctor and Elizabeth are married. Proctor has an affair with Abigail. He cheats on his wife.
arbitrate to determine; to settle; to judge or decide on something
iniquity Wicked; sinful behavior
ameliorate To make or become better. To improve.
predilection Tendency Preference routine favorite
Amelia stayed in bed, took medicine, and read get well cards to ameliorate her terrible flu symptoms.
A nice massage can ameliorate back pain.
Study the images below. Which image bests fits the word ameliorate? 1 2
Condemn To blame To disapprove To sentence to punishment.
conviction A strong belief or opinion. Guilty sentence
vengeance Revenge; “getting even;” payback
dote to show too much attention
Matching ameliorate conviction deference contempt condemn vengeance To disapprove; to blame or sentence to punishment Strong belief or opinion; confidence; guilty sentence. Revenge; “getting even;” payback Fake; pretend Hatred; disrespect; breaking the rules of a court. To make better or become better; improve. Subservient; to obey others; to be respectful. to show too much attention ameliorate conviction deference contempt condemn vengeance pretense dote
deference Showing respect to expert opinion Obeying the opinion of another. Following orders out of respect. Subservient.
Each person had different opinions about Sue’s health Each person had different opinions about Sue’s health. However, the husband deferred to the medical doctor’s advice.
Are people born liars or do they learn to lie? Abigail I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart! […] I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their covenanted men! Elizabeth Proctor “I do not judge you. The magistrate that sits in your heart judges you. I never thought you but a good man.”
Abigail Goodness is a lie. The town tells you what is good and punishes you for being wrong. It is impossible to be all good. The town should pay for its lies. Elizabeth You can learn what is right or wrong. Your conscience and experience tells you what is good. I always knew you (John Proctor) were a good man.
Are people born good or evil?