The Crucible Character Analysis

Study Notes

Character Overview of The Crucible

Abigail Williams is a 17-year-old girl, niece of Reverend Parris, who had an affair with John Proctor and seeks to eliminate obstacles to her desires.
Betty Parris, only 10 years old, is the daughter of Reverend Parris, motivated by fear of punishment from her father.
Reverend Parris, the town's minister, is disliked and seeks to maintain authority, motivated by threats to his position and the need to hide the truth about the woods incident.

Motivations of Key Characters

Ann Putnam, mother of Ruth and seven deceased infants, is driven by grief and a desire for revenge against those she believes are responsible for her losses.
Mary Warren, current servant to the Proctors, is motivated by fear of both John Proctor and Abigail, revealing her submissive nature.
Thomas Putnam, wealthy landowner, seeks to gain land by accusing others of witchcraft, driven by vindictiveness and a desire to eliminate rivals.

Personality Traits of Characters

Abigail is deceitful, violent, vengeful, and portrays strong leadership, making her a central antagonist.
Betty is primarily characterized by fear, further complicating the dynamics of the story.
Reverend Parris exhibits defensive and paranoid traits, often prioritizing his own survival over the truth.

Additional Character Dynamics

Tituba, Reverend Parris's slave, uses her intelligence to navigate her precarious position, intimidated by authority yet cunning.
John Proctor, husband to Elizabeth, is cautious and dignified, struggling with his past mistakes and a desire for redemption.
Elizabeth Proctor, motivated by her faith and the need to protect her dignity and husband, is practical, tenderhearted, and honest.

Supporting Characters and Their Traits

Giles Corey, an 83-year-old man providing comic relief, is sharp-witted and physically strong, motivated by a need to feel significant while protecting innocents.
Reverend Hale, an expert on witchcraft, enters Salem with faith in the judicial system but is ultimately guided by his conscience.
Deputy Governor Danforth leads the trials with a focus on maintaining court authority, characterized by power and intimidation.

Final Characters of Note

Rebecca Nurse is a 72-year-old matriarch respected for her wisdom and fairness, motivated by her strong faith.
Mercy Lewis, 17 and servant to the Putnams, displays sly and merciless traits, driven by the need to align herself with Abigail for self-preservation.
Marshal Herrik represents law enforcement, struggling with guilt while dutifully following court orders.

Description

Explore the key characters of Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible. This quiz offers detailed flashcards for characters such as Abigail Williams and Betty Parris, along with insights into their motivations and personality traits. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the play's complex characters.