Character Analysis of John Proctor in 'The Crucible'

The crucible is a novel that describes the series of events that occurred during the period of time in a small town named Salem when people were hysterical about witches that never existed. John Proctor, a main character of the story is forced to choose between sacrificing his good name for justice in the whole town or allowing the continuous execution of others. He had the power to stop it all if he simply confessed the truth about Abigail. As the story reaches its end, many other characters who appear serve as foils that make his strengths and weaknesses more prominent. Giles Corey; John Proctors best friend and Samuel Parris; the towns reverend were two of many foils who were introduced in the story. Both helped the reader get a better idea of how Proctor really was.

John proctor was a well respected man with a hefty name within the people of his town. He was a farmer and had two children with his wife Elizabeth Proctor. Although he carried many great qualities, one flaw he had ruined his entire life. Proctor was a hypocrite. He disliked liars yet he was one who committed adultery and would not admit to it. This created conflict within himself and caused him to nearly loose his relationship with his wife. Anger within himself was taken out on her. He would yell at her. His issue were his believings of not being good enough and feared he would not be forgiven by Elizabeth. "Spare me! You forget nothin' and forgive nothin'. Learn charity, woman." (Crucible pg. 52) She had no problem forgiving him but it was himself that he needed to forgive. "John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if you'll not forgive yourself." (Crucible pg. 126) His pride then led him into death when he refused to lie about being a witch. Thus, Pr...

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...ed, he withdrawed it afterwards and was sentenced to death. He died as a man no longer belonging to the church but died with a clean conscience. "He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it frim him!" (Crucible pg. 134)

John Proctor was mostly a good man. He desired good for himself and the whole town he resided in. He had great qualities of a man, father and farmer but his major flaw of committing adultery is what caused his downfall. He was not a horrible person but he did make many mistakes such as saying Elizabeth would never lie. "That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth" (Crucible pg. 85) Parris and Giles served as great foils who illuminated his true character whether it was good or bad. Proctor still died with goodness within himself and it was not until years later that his true good intentions were realized by the people when the witch hoax was revealed.