The Crucible Characters

Reverend Parris

Minister in Salem who at first doesn't want to acknowledge witchcraft, then joins in the accusations, then attempts to delay or stop the executions. Motivation: His own reputation.

Betty Parris

Parris' daughter. Her father discovers her dancing in the woods, and she later accuses individuals of practicing witchcraft. Motivation: Trying to stay out of trouble.

Abigail Williams

Parris' niece. She instigates the witch trials by falsely accusing others, including Elizabeth Proctor, of witchcraft. She pretends to see spirits and instructs the other girls to pretend as well. Motivation: To divert attention away from herself and stay out of trouble; kill Elizabeth Proctor so she can have John Proctor to herself

Tituba

Parris' black slave. Parris discovers her casting spells and making potions with the girls in the woods. When she is accused, she turns around and accuses others.
Motivation: Self-preservation-she is threatened with beatings and hanging if she doesn't confess/ name others.

Mrs. Ann Putnam

Wife of Thomas Putnam. She believes that a witch is responsible for the deaths of her seven infant children. Motivation: Jealousy

Thomas Putnam

A wealthy landowner in Salem. He systematically accuses his neighbors of witchcraft. Motivation: Greed

Ruth Putnam

The Putnams' daughter. She accuses individuals of practicing witchcraft. A witness claims to have heard Putnam say Ruth's accusations helped him obtain land.

Mary Warren

Servant to the Proctors. She goes along with Abigail and the girls by falsely accusing others of witchcraft; however, she later admits that she was lying. But then she takes back her confession and accuses Proctor of forcing her to claim she was lying. Motivation: FEAR-she wants to reveal the truth but breaks under pressure from Abigail and the other girls.

Mercy Lewis

Servant to the Putnams and friend to Abigail. She participates in the witch trials by pretending to see spirits and falsely accusing individuals of witchcraft.Takes off with Abigail in the night.

John Proctor

Salem farmer and former lover of Abigail's. He openly denounces Parris and does not attend church.
Tries to disprove the notion of witchcraft. Motivation: Justice, reveal the truth about Parris, Abigail, and the trails, and he wants to save his wife and later, himself and his good name.

Reverend Hale

Minister in Beverly. The people of Salem summon him to investigate Betty's condition and determine if witchcraft is responsible. He supports the witch trials, but later denounces them when he learns that Abigail is lying. Motivation: 1. Save Salem 2. Save lives-tries to convince the accused to "confess" and save themselves-denounces the court.

Rebecca Nurse

Wife of Francis Nurse. She is one of the most respected individuals in Salem because of her kindness and charity. She argues against the witch trial investigations. Mrs. Putnam accuses her of witchcraft.
Motivation:She wants to show how absurd the trails are. She refuses to participate, even confess as a representation of what is true and just.

Susanna Walcott

Friend to Abigail. She also takes part in the trials by falsely accusing others of witchcraft.

Giles Corey

Elderly inhabitant of Salem. He challenges the court. He is pressed to death as a result. Motivation: 1. Save his wife; he feels responsible to her accusation. 2. He wants to preserve his farm for his family.