AP Language: "The Crucible" Characters & Plot

“The Crucible” was written by Arthur Miller in 1953 and follows characters in Salem, Massachusetts during the height of the Salem Witch Trials and accusations.

• Miller was inspired to write it because of the accusations of communism in the

  mid-nineteenth century United States by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s “witch-hunts.”

  • Miller himself was accused of being a communist, and this ruined his life.

Tituba: a slave working Salem, who is originally from Barbados; brought over by Reverend Parris

Betty Harris: raised by Tituba; father is Reverend Parris; afflicted by a mysterious illness

Reverend Parris: Betty’s father; brought Tituba from Barbados; in charge of Salem’s religious foundation; not well-liked

Abigail Williams: Parris’ niece; raised by Tituba; persuasive and socially savvy; found dancing in the woods

Mercy Lewis: Abigail’s friend; found dancing in the woods

Ann and Thomas Putnam: Ann is called “Goodie Ann;” has one daughter; had many miscarriages; Thomas is very rich; their daughter, Ruth, was found dancing in the woods

Mary Warren: found dancing in the woods

John Proctor: cheated on his wife Elizabeth with Abigail; he is a farmer

Rebecca Nurse: older; very wise; has learned a lot of lessons; voice of reason; owns lots of land

Reverend Hale: a leading expert on witchcraft

Giles Corey: not formally educated; smart; has lots of land; talks a lot; very opinionated