Characters The Crucible by Arthur Miller

1. CharactersThe Crucible by Arthur Miller

2. John Proctor A local farmer who lives just outside of town. He is Elizabeth Proctor’s husband. He is a stern, harsh-tongued man. He hates hypocrites, however he is hiding a secret himself.

3. Abigail Williams She is Rev. Parris’s niece. Abigail was once a servant for the Proctor household, until Elizabeth Proctor fired her. Abigail is smart, deceitful, and a very good liar. She can be vindictive when crossed. She is considered the “ring leader” of the girls.

4. Reverend Parris The minister of Salem’s church. Very paranoid, power-hungry, yet self-pitying man. Many towns people, especially John proctor do not like him. He views himself as the decision maker of the community.

5. Reverend John Hale A young minister that is known to be an “expert” on witchcraft. He is called in to Salem to examine a child that is under “a spell”. Rev. Hale is a committed Christian and he hates witchcraft. He is very intelligent which saves him at the end of the story. His arrival into Salem sets hysteria into motion.

6. Elizabeth Proctor John Proctor’s wife. Fired Abigail Williams. She is very smart, but often seems cold-hearted. She has serious trust issues.

7. Rebecca Nurse Married to Francis Nurse. She is a wise-sensible woman that is held very high in the Salem Community. She is considered the midwife or Nurse.

8. Francis Nurse A wealthy, influential man in Salem. He is married to Rebecca Nurse. He is respected by most in Salem, but his enemy is Thomas Putnam and his wife.

9. Judge Danforth He is the deputy Governor of Massachusetts and the judge over the trials. He is an honest man-at least in his own mind-and he is convinced that he is doing what is right and necessary to rid witchcraft.

10. Giles Corey An older, feisty farmer in Salem. He is famous for always being in Court. Giles is married to Martha Corey. Provides comic relief to the story.

11. Thomas Putnam A very wealthy, influential citizen of Salem. Putnam holds a grudge against Francis Nurse due to land disputes.

12. Ann Putnam Married to Thomas. Ann has given birth to 8 children, but only one has survived. The other 7 died before they were a day old. Is very protective or her daughter, Ruth.

13. Ruth Putnam The Putnam’s lone surviving child out of eight. She is part of Abigail’s group of friends.

14. Tituba Reverend Parris’s black slave from Barbados. She likes to tell the girls stories of voodoo.

15. Mary Warren The servant of John Proctor’s household and member of Abigail’s group of girls. She is very shy and can be easily influenced by those around her.

16. Betty Parris Reverend Parris’ ten-year old daughter. She falls into a strange sleep. Abigail Williams is her cousin. Her mother has died a few years back.

17. Martha Corey Giles Corey’s third wife.

18. Ezekiel Cheever A man from Salem who acts as a clerk of court during the witch trials. He is determined to do his duty for justice.

19. Herrick Police officer of Salem.

20. Mercy Lewis A girl that runs around with Abigail Williams and the other girls.