The Crucible Arthur Miller
Minister of Salem church; paranoid, power-hungry and self-pitying; many people dislike him. Reverend Parris
Tituba Parris’s slave from Barbados; agrees to perform voodoo at Abigail’s request.
Reverend Parris’s niece; ex-servant of the Proctors; good liar; had an affair with John Proctor. Abigail Williams
Susanna Walcott A younger member of Abigail’s band, a breathless, apprehensive girl
Ann Putnam Gave birth to 8 daughters, but only one survived; convinced they were murdered by the supernatural.
Thomas Putnam Wealthy influential citizen; holds grudge against Francis Nurse.
Mercy Lewis Putnam’s plump 18-year-old servant who is a cruel and crafty disciple of Abigail
Mary Warren John Proctor’s servant and member of Abigail’s group.
Local farmer; stern, harsh- tongued; hates hypocrisy; husband of Elizabeth. John Proctor
John’s wife; virtuous and cold; fires Abigail. Elizabeth Proctor
Rebecca Nurse Wise, sensible, and upright; goes crazy after being accused of witchcraft.
Francis Nurse Wealthy, influential man in Salem; enemy of Thomas Putnam and his wife.
Giles Corey Feisty farmer of Salem; famous for filing lawsuits.
Reputed to be an expert on witchcraft; hates witchcraft; called to examine people of the town. Reverend John Hale
Ezekiel Cheever A blustery but uncertain court official, who serves warrants and dutifully recalls damaging statements made by men like Proctor in opposing the mass arrests
Marshall Herrick Another official of the court, in his 30s, a compassionate man, who regretfully obeys the laws and takes Elizabeth and others to jail
Judge Danforth Deputy Governor of Massachusetts; honest and thinks he is right by rooting out witchcraft.
Sarah Good An old Salem woman, ragged and confused, who confesses promptly when accused and therefore shares wild visions with Tituba in jail
Hopkins A guard at the Salem jail
Ruth Putnam Putnams’ lone surviving child; caught dancing in the woods at night.
Betty Parris 10-years-old; caught dancing with Tituba
Martha Corey Corey’s third wife; reading habits lead to her arrest.
Definition of a Crucible A crucible is literally a container used in the process of heating and melting metals. When subjected to great heat while in such a container, the more valuable metals are separated from the baser. When used figuratively, the word “crucible” means a hard test and or a severe trial.
Themes Can “normal” people be evil? Can rumors cause hysteria? Can the truth come out when some refuse to see it?
Themes continued Can common sense prevail during hysteria? Can people be too opinionated to see the real truth? Can people see their own sin as well as sins of others? Can you live a good life without moral integrity, human dignity or spiritual freedom?