The Crucible Act 1 Character Map

Character Overview in The Crucible Act 1

• Mary Warren: Servant to John Proctor, contributing to the themes of guilt and redemption.

• John Proctor: Central character, married to Elizabeth; his affair with Abigail creates tension and conflict.

• Elizabeth Proctor: Proctor’s wife, representative of virtue; dismissed Abigail from service seven months prior, causing Abigail's animosity.

• Abigail Williams: Antagonist; desires revenge against Elizabeth Proctor, engages in witchcraft, accuses others to deflect blame.

• Betty Parris: Abigail's cousin and Rev. Parris's daughter, significant as an early victim of the witchcraft hysteria.

• Tituba: Slave who initiates accusations against others, highlighting the theme of scapegoating; she accuses Sarah Good and Sarah Osburn.

• Reverend Parris: Abigail’s guardian, concerned with reputation; brings Reverend Hale to Salem, showcasing his fear of witchcraft undermining his authority.

• Reverend Hale: Scholar and expert in witchcraft, initially seeks to help but later becomes critical of the trials; respects Rebecca Nurse.

• Giles Cory: Characterized by his contentious nature; disputes with Reverend Parris regarding finances and with Thomas Putnam over land disputes.

• Rebecca Nurse: Respected matriarch; symbolizes pity and moral integrity, serves as a contrast to characters driven by jealousy, particularly Ann Putnam.

• Mercy Lewis: Servant to Thomas Putnam; reflects the harsh realities of social dynamics, engages violently with Ruth Putnam, showing brewing tensions.

• Ruth Putnam: Only surviving child of Ann Putnam; involved in the witchcraft accusations via her interactions with Mercy Lewis.

• Ann Putnam: Bitter mother driven by grief; jealousy towards Rebecca Nurse’s family further complicates her motivations in the witch trials.

• Thomas Putnam: Wealthy landowner, using the trials for personal gain; argues over territory and resources with Giles Cory.

• Sarah Osburn: Accused witch, serves as a midwife for Ann Putnam, demonstrating the intertwining of community roles and superstition.

• Sarah Good: Accused by Tituba, representing the vulnerability of women and the consequences of mass hysteria in Salem.

Explore the key characters from Act 1 of 'The Crucible' through flashcards. This resource highlights important relationships and motivations, capturing the essence of the characters involved in the Salem witch trials. Perfect for students striving for a deeper understanding of Arthur Miller's work.