Salem Witch Trials: Key Characters and Their Roles in the Play

John Proctor

A farmer who had an affair with Abigail Williams, leading to many of the play's conflicts.

Abigail Williams

Reverend Parris's niece who falsely accuses people of witchcraft to cover her own actions and to get revenge on Elizabeth Proctor.

Reverend Parris

The minister of Salem who is worried about his reputation and initially supports the trials.

Reverend Hale

A minister from Beverly who is initially an expert in witchcraft but later questions the court's authority as the trials continue.

Elizabeth Proctor

John's wife, who is falsely accused of witchcraft by Abigail.

Thomas Putnam

A wealthy landowner who uses the trials to his advantage to gain more land.

Giles Corey

An old farmer and husband of Martha Corey, who is known for his feisty spirit but also his strong moral compass.

Deputy Governor Danforth

A deputy governor who comes to Salem to preside over the trials and firmly believes in his own ability to discern the truth.

Mary Warren

A servant in the Proctor household and a member of the group of girls who accuse people of witchcraft.

Rebecca Nurse

A respected and religious woman who is accused of witchcraft.

Ann Putnam

A woman who has lost many children and blames witchcraft for their deaths.

Judge Hathorne

A Salem judge who is arrogant and believes the Puritan government is always right.

Mercy Lewis

A teenage girl who serves the Putnam family and is a close friend of Abigail.

Betty Parris

Reverend Parris's daughter who is the first to be afflicted by mysterious symptoms.

Tituba

A slave of Reverend Parris from Barbados who is the first to be accused of witchcraft.

Mrs. Osburn

One of the first women accused of witchcraft.

Sarah Good

An old, poor woman who is accused of witchcraft.

Ezekiel Cheever

A court clerk.

Martha Corey

The wife of Giles Corey.