Explore the character list from Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible,' detailing key figures such as John Proctor, Abigail Williams, and Reverend Parris. This resource provides insights into their roles, relationships, and motivations within the context of the Salem witch trials. Ideal for students studying American literature or drama, this character guide aids in understanding the complex dynamics of the play. Perfect for high school and college literature courses focusing on themes of hysteria, morality, and social justice.

Key Points

  • Details major characters from Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible', including John Proctor and Abigail Williams.
  • Explains the roles and motivations of characters in the context of the Salem witch trials.
  • Serves as a study aid for students in American literature and drama courses.
  • Highlights the relationships and conflicts among characters, enhancing comprehension of the play's themes.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Arthur Miller
2 pages
Language:English
Type:Study Guide
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Arthur Miller
2 pages
Language:English
Type:Study Guide
Literature
358
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The
Crucible
Before
We
Start
Handout
1
Name
Date
Hour.
Character
List
Below
is a
list
of the
major
characters.
Reverend
Samuel
Parris:
Betty
Parris:
Tituba:
The
Reverend
is the
controversial
and
insecure
minister
of
Salem.
Betty
is the
10-year-old daughter
of
Rev. Parris.
She is one of the first
girls
to be
"afflicted."
Tituba
is a
slave brought
from
Barbados
by
Parris.
She is first
accused
of
witchcraft,
and
calls
out the
names
of
others
in an
attempt
to
save
herself.
Abigail Williams: Abigail
is the
17-year-old niece
of
Parris.
An
orphan,
she
lives with
her
uncle.
She
leads
the
girls
in
their accusations.
Susanna
Walcott:
Susanna
is
Abigail's friend, although slightly younger.
She is one of
the
"afflicted"
girls.
Mrs.
Ann
Putnam:
Ann
Putnam
is the
wife
of
Thomas
Putnam.
Thomas
Putnam:
Thomas
Putnam
is the
wealthy husband
of Ann
Putnam.
Mercy
Lewis:
Mary Warren:
John
Proctor:
Mercy
is the
Putnams'
servant.
She is
friends
with Abigail
and is
"afflicted."
Mary
is the
Proctors' meek
and
insecure servant.
She is
friends
with
Abigail
and
"afflicted."
John
is a
farmer
and the
protagonist
in the
play.
He is a
tragic hero
and
the first to
expose
the
girls
as
frauds.
Rebecca
Nurse:
Rebecca
is an
elderly, sweet, respected
figure of 72
years.
She
seems
to be the
voice
of
reason
and
calm
in the
community.
Giles
Corey:
Giles
is a
cantankerous, elderly gentleman
of 83
years
who
often
sues
his
neighbors.
He is a man of
principles.
2005.
Teacher's
Discovery®
The
Crucible
Before
We
Start
Handout
1,
continued
Character List
Reverend
John
Hale:
John
Hale
is an
expert
on
witches called
in
from
neighboring Beverly
by
Parris.
Elizabeth
Proctor:
Elizabeth
is the
dutiful,
faithful,
though often chilly,
wife
of
John
Proctor.
Francis
Nurse:
Ezekiel
Cheever:
Marshal
Herrick:
Judge
Hathorne:
Deputy
Governor
Danforth:
Sarah
Good:
Hopkins:
Francis
is the
husband
of
Rebecca.
A
sweet, elderly man.
Ezekiel
is the
clerk
of the
court
who
serves arrest warrants.
Marshal
is the
constable
of the
jail
who is
often drunk.
Judge
Hathorne
presides over
the
trials.
Danforth
is the
Deputy Governor
of
Massachusetts.
He
presides over
the
hearings
and is
more interested
in
order than justice.
Sarah
is a
homeless woman,
one of the first
accused.
She
confesses
in
a
hope
to
save herself.
Hopkins
is the
jail
guard.
Miller's daughter Rebecca married
Daniel
Day-Lewis,
who
starred
in
the
1996
movie
The
Crucible.
8
©
2005.
Teacher's
Discovery®
/ 2
End of Document
358

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FAQs

Who is Reverend Samuel Parris in The Crucible?
Reverend Samuel Parris is the controversial and insecure minister of Salem. He is the father of Betty Parris and is deeply concerned about his reputation and authority within the community. His character plays a significant role in the events that unfold, as he is one of the first to react to the witchcraft accusations, which ultimately lead to the hysteria in Salem.
What role does Abigail Williams play in The Crucible?
Abigail Williams is a pivotal character in The Crucible, serving as the 17-year-old niece of Reverend Parris. She is an orphan living with her uncle and leads the group of girls in making accusations of witchcraft against others in Salem. Her motivations stem from her desire for power and her feelings for John Proctor, which drive much of the play's conflict.
Who are the major characters in The Crucible?
The major characters in The Crucible include Reverend Samuel Parris, Betty Parris, Tituba, Abigail Williams, Susanna Walcott, Mrs. Ann Putnam, Thomas Putnam, Mercy Lewis, Mary Warren, John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, Giles Corey, John Hale, Elizabeth Proctor, Francis Nurse, Ezekiel Cheever, Marshal Herrick, Judge Hathorne, Deputy Governor Danforth, Sarah Good, and Hopkins. Each character plays a crucial role in the unfolding drama of the Salem witch trials.
What is the significance of John Proctor's character?
John Proctor is the protagonist of The Crucible and represents a tragic hero. He is a farmer who ultimately exposes the girls' accusations as frauds, challenging the mass hysteria surrounding the witch trials. His internal conflict and moral dilemmas highlight themes of integrity, guilt, and redemption, making him a central figure in the narrative.
How does Tituba contribute to the plot of The Crucible?
Tituba is a slave brought from Barbados by Reverend Parris and is the first person accused of witchcraft in The Crucible. Her character is pivotal as she initially confesses to witchcraft in an attempt to save herself and subsequently names others, which escalates the witch hunt. This act of self-preservation sets off a chain reaction of accusations that fuels the hysteria in Salem.
What is the role of Deputy Governor Danforth in The Crucible?
Deputy Governor Danforth presides over the hearings in The Crucible and is more focused on maintaining order than on delivering true justice. His character embodies the rigid authority of the court and the dangers of prioritizing reputation over truth. Danforth's decisions significantly impact the outcomes of the trials and the fates of the accused.

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