1. The Crucible By Arthur Miller
CHARACTERS

2. Introductory Information
Written by Arthur Miller
In 1953
A fictional recreation of the Salem Witch Trials, their origins, and a psychological investigation of the act of persecution and McCarthyism.

3. Reverend Parris Mid-40s Widower with children
Not a bad father, just did not understand children
Lacked control in his household
Paranoid and self-pitying
Concerned with what others think of him
Power-hungry
Disliked by parishioners
Hostile

4. Betty Parris 10 year old daughter of Reverend Parris
Falls into “stupor”
After father caught her dancing in the woods
Her illness sparks rumors of witchcraft

5. Abigail Williams Orphaned Niece of Rev. Parris “Strikingly beautiful”
Smart and cunning
“Dissembling”
Hides true feelings and motives
Vindictive
Mysterious rumors about her purity
Leader of the group

6. Tituba Rev. Parris’s slave From Barbados Cares about the children
Is the first accused of witchcraft
Confesses and Repents!

7. John Proctor Mid 30s Successful farmer Even-tempered and easy going
Thinks for himself
Often seen as a loner
Respected in Salem
Logical and tolerant
Sees himself as a sinner

8. Elizabeth Proctor John Proctor’s wife “Sickly” Virtuous Cold
Eager to please her husband
Timid
Avoids conflict
Often sad

9. Mary Warren 18 years old Proctor’s servant Lonely
Easily influenced by others
Worried

10. Thomas Putnam 50 years old Eldest son of richest man in Salem
Wealthy Landowner
Fights with others over land
Greedy
Nosy
Jumps to conclusions
Vindictive
Little concern for others

11. Ann Putnam 45 years old Thomas’ wife “Haunted” and “twisted soul”
Lost 7 infants
Blames others for misfortunes
Nosy

12. Ruth Putnam Thomas and Ann’s daughter Only surviving daughter
Falls into stranger stupor
After Rev. Parris found dancing in woods
Like her “soul was taken”

13. Mercy Lewis 18 years old Girl in Abigail’s group “Fat”
Sly and merciless
Apathetic
“Beat” Ruth when ill

14. Francis Nurse Respected in the town Self-made man
Serves as unofficial judge for disputes
Self-made man
Resented by others
Target of jealousy
Enemy of Thomas Putnam

15. Rebecca Nurse 72 years old Francis’ wife Gentle, caretaker
Calm and strong
Experienced
Believes “sickness” just boredom of teenage girls
Reasonable
Wants peace and tolerance in Salem

16. Giles Corey 83 years old “Comical Hero” Blamed for everything
Deeply innocent
Ignorant and uneducated

17. Martha Corey Giles’ third wife Enjoys reading
Leads to her accusation of witchcraft

18. Reverend John Hale 40 years old from Beverly Specialist in demonology
Intellectual
Reserves judgment
His arrival sets the hysteria in motion

19. Ezekiel Cheever Clerk of the court Upright citizen
Determine to perform duty for court

20. Deputy Governor Danforth
60 years old
Grave
Allows humor
Still business-like
Great respect for court
Honest
True Puritan
Believes he is doing what is right
Sense of Justice

21. Judge Hathorne Presides over the witch trials Rushes to judgment
Impatient
Partial and unfair