Character Development

John Proctor:

John desired a better life for his family at the start of "The Crucible". John later desired to free his wife from jail towards the middle of the story. Toward the end, John desired his own life, but then he decided that it was better to die in order to protect his pride. John was a common farmer, but he later became a martyr in order to protect his good name. John did not believe in witches, and he never changed his mind about that. He took his life for granted throughout the story, but towards the end, he realized how truly precious life is. He realized how much he loved and cared for his family when it came to the final few minutes of his life. Although he did not go to Church on a regular basis, he prayed and repented towards the end of his life. When John spoke to Elizabeth about his crucial decision, it was a very emotional moment in the story. Although John had to make a tough decision, Rebecca Nurse also had to do so. Rebecca and John both decided that it was better to die to save their pride instead of living a lie. John was a strong-minded person and his actions truly represented his strength.


Abigail Williams:

Abigail desired to save her own name at the start of "The Crucible". She later decided to use her false accusations toward her advantage in order to acquire John as her husband. When Abigail accused Elizabeth of witchery, her ugly actions were even further displayed. Abigail did whatever she could in order to get her way and get ahead in society. She was conniving from the start, and that never changed. Her actions and false accusations were crucial to the story, because without these, the Salem Witch Trials may have never occurred. Abigail was a weak girl, so she decided to run from her problems. At the end of "The Crucible", Abigail left Salem for another city. Abigail was not the only character who fled Salem, though, Tituba also left. Abigail eventually became a prostitute.