The Crucible CHARACTERS The Crucible American Literature

Meet John Proctor… Proctor is the central character of the play. He is a farmer in his thirties; outwardly, he appears a man of integrity and good sense. He has a sound reputation within the community even if he is not liked by all of his neighbors. However, he committed the sin of adultery, and feels like a fraud.

Elizabeth Proctor Elizabeth is married to John; she is a good, honest woman Elizabeth first appears in Act 2, singing lullabies to her children Atmosphere in the house tense with coming to terms with husband's adultery She is accused of being cold by both Proctor and Abigail But she recognizes Abigail's' intentions before Proctor Her love and understanding for Proctor is evident in the last act, when she leaves him to decide whether to confess

Abigail: Masterful Manipulator Orphaned niece of Parris Leads Salem citizen in frenzied witch hunt Able to manipulate uncle, control other girls, and seduce Proctor Elizabeth is only person she can't beguile, thus earning Abigail's abhorrence Naming of witches gives her power, excitement, and revenge Good at reading events and situation and acting accordingly ABIGAIL REPRESENTS THOSE WHO CAN FUEL THE FLAME OF EVIL.

Reverend Hale Hale enjoys the nature of his calling Despite his assertion he will not necessarily find witchcraft, it is apparent he assumes it is present Hale changes dramatically during the play, and comes to accept the responsibility of what he started He tries to rectify wrongs, but it's impossible

Parris and Giles Corey Parris Unpopular in Salem Greedy and selfish Tears in opening scene not for his daughter but for his own reputation and down fall Supports trial as long as own position is secure His change in Act 4 occurs from threats to his life, NOT from guilt or compassion

Giles Corey Initially, a comic character Procter deals with his argumentative nature in a good hearted way Unwittingly implicates wife in witchcraft, and is arrested after refusing to name an informant Eventually tortured in effort to extract a confession

Rebecca Nurse Elderly and respected Rebecca is one of the voices of good sense in the play Hale has already heard of her good reputation before meeting her. The conviction of Rebecca reveals how low the community at Salem has fallen She goes to her death with dignity and acceptance.

Mary Warren Proctor's servant Weak, easily influenced Intimidated in court, easily "turned" by Abigail into testifying against Proctor Represents how fear perpetuates wrong doing; she was too afraid to speak the truth and exonerate the Proctors Illustrates how weak people are used by stronger people to perpetuate wrongdoing

The Putnams Bitter couple representing jealousy, small-mindedness, and greed Ann Putnam sent daughter to conjure up spirits to begin with Thomas Putnam sought to gain from the tragedies of others

Minor Characters Betty Parris Youngest of the girls calling out the spirits Friends with Ruth Putnam Reverend Parris’ daughter, is so afraid of her Dad and consequences of being caught dancing and calling out spirits that she doesn’t speak

Minor Characters Tituba West Indian Slave of Reverend Parris From Barbedos Has to decide if she should tell the truth and not be accused of practicing witchcraft or tell the white “folks” what they want to hear Sarah Good Homeless woman One of the first to be arrested Martha Corey Giles’ wife Accused of witchcraft

Other Minor Characters Mercy Lewis Worked for Putnams Mean most of the time Dances naked in the woods