S TUDY G UIDE : C RUCIBLE Character motivations, actions, intentions and quotes.

A BIGAIL W ILLIAMS Selfish Whore 17, niece of Parris (19)-”Now look you…sit up and stop this” (11)- “Why…I am sure it is”, “There be no blush about my name” (11)- “she [Elizabeth] hates me…I will not work for such a woman” Motivations: wants to kill Elizabeth so she can be with John Proctor Stabs herself with a needle to frame Elizabeth for attempted murder. Accuses others to save her own behind Runs away with MERCY LEWIS and steals Parris’ money.

J OHN P ROCTOR 35 year old, male He is a lecher (someone who sleeps with multiple women) Sinful, stern, goodhearted, and honest (73)-”If she is innocent…vengence” (62)- “since we build the church…the man dreams cathedrals not clapboards and meeting house” (132)- “I have confessed myself…it is enough” Motivations: he wants to expose Abigail for lying and he wants to save himself and Elizabeth. He wants forgiveness for what he did to Elizabeth. Actions: demands release of Elizabeth from the court, he confesses to sleeping with Abigail, he almost signs his name to the confession but does not at the last minute because his name is more important.

E LIZABETH P ROCTOR Mid thirties, wife of John Proctor She is angry at the affair, she says she has forgiven John but really hasn’t, doesn’t like or trust Abigail’s motives. “I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you” (52) “Spoke or silent a promise is surely made” (58) “You take my sins upon you, John-” (127) (No he did not) lies for the first time ever to protect her husbands reputation (irony) Forgives him at the end and accepts some of the blame for what has happened between them Motivations: protection, preservation of life, sanctity of their marriage

M ARY W ARREN Teenage girl, servant to the Proctors Gave Elizabeth a poppet (rag doll) that had a needle in it. Abigail saw this and used it to frame Elizabeth for witchcraft. Wants to speak out but is easily led Shy, naïve, spineless, and becomes part of the court Girls accuse her of witchcraft because she went against them (110)- “I’ll not hang with you…” (99)- “It’s not a trick she’s sportin…” Motivations: to end the witch craft and fear of Abigail…ultimately to save herself. Girls accuse her and she takes her testimony back and turns on John.

D ANFORTH Stolid, loyal to his cause, stern “You have heard rebellion spoken in the town?” (121) “Mr. Proctor…back to the devil” (123) Doesn’t want to kill Proctor, rather he confesses, and hopes the others will confess and he can stop killing people without admitting that the courts were wrong. Monologue ( ) Doesn’t want to kill anyone, and if such a loved man as Proctor dies rebellion is imminent.

T HOMAS P UTNAM Wealthy, influential, grudge against Francis nurse, uses witch trials to gain wealth/land Motivation: greed, wants to kill off his fellow landowners for their land. Actions: accuses innocents of witch craft for land instigator grudge against Nurse “How may we blame ourselves…” (p26)

P ARRIS (R EV ) Annoying, selfish, self-centered, manipulative Preaches about hell and damnation rather than God and love. Is greedy and wants glory and wealth. Wants the hangings to stop at the end so that the town won’t turn on him like they did in Andover. “There is either obedience or the church will burn like Hell is burning!” (28) “There is a party in this church…a faction” (29) Motivations: doesn’t want to get thrown out of the town. Wants to keep his ministry. Graduate of Harvard and believes he is deserving because he is so knowledgeable.

H ALE Originates from Beverly, an expert in the dark arts, has a book with all of the devils secrets and tells. Wants to cleanse the town of the devil, realizes that the girls are faking and tries to stop it, quits the court because of the hangings and because John is arrested, tries to save John at the end and is distraught when he can’t. Feels guilt and uncertainty in Act Two after Elizabeth is arrested. “Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell…” (68) “I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!” (111) “Woman, plead with him! Woman! It is pride, it is vanity. Be his helper!...” (134)