The Crucible Characters(updated)2023

The Crucible Characters(updated)2023Reverend 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. Elizabeth Proctor Wife of John Proctor. She is a decent and honest woman. Motivation: Reveal the truth...Abigail's vengeance self- preservation. 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. Francis Nurse Farmer and landowner in Salem. He is a respected member of the community often called upon to settle disagreements between individuals. Motivation: Save his wife. 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. Sarah Good Beggar in Salem. She is the first individual accused of witchcraft. Why? She is an easy target- she is poor, not respected in the community. Judge Hathorne A judge in the Salem court. "The Hanging Judge". Family changed his name to Hawthrone because they wanted nothing to do with him. Deputy Governor Danforth A special judge serving in the Salem court during the witch trials. He signs the death sentences for those individuals who refuse to confess their crimes. He refuses to delay any execution. Motivation: Delay-would show weakness pardon-12 were already executed.