John Proctor is the protagonist of this play. He is the main character. Although the play is, in large part, about the witch hunts and hysteria created by the lies of a few young girls (and the parents) who exploit their power, the play is also about Proctor's internal struggle to do the right thing and to again be able to think of himself as a good man. His previous affair with Abigail (and her...
John Proctor is the protagonist of this play. He is the main character. Although the play is, in large part, about the witch hunts and hysteria created by the lies of a few young girls (and the parents) who exploit their power, the play is also about Proctor's internal struggle to do the right thing and to again be able to think of himself as a good man. His previous affair with Abigail (and her continued desire for him) provides her motivation to accuse John's wife, Elizabeth; his initial reticence to share the information Abigail told him -- that Betty's and Ruth's illnesses have nothing to do with witchcraft -- gives Abigail the opportunity to accuse Elizabeth without having her motives called into question. Finally, it is his own internal struggle in trying to decide whether to lie (and further tarnish his soul) and save his life or to maintain the truth and die for it that gives the last act so much emotional impact and meaning. The Crucible is a story about vengeance and greed and lust, but it is also the story of John Proctor's journey to personal redemption.
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