Knowing Abigail for what she is, John tries to expose her true character to the members of the court, while fighting off her attempted seduction. Abigail, however, is malicious, and would like nothing better than to see Elizabeth disposed of and John Proctor available to her without marital impediments. Nearing the end of the play, John is ready to confess his own dealings with the devil, even though he would be lying. John, however, is also aware that others of the community without the weight of sin such as his (i.e., Rebecca Nurse and Giles Corey) are ready to stand by their denunciation of the unfounded charges against them. They refuse to sacrifice their immortal souls by admitting to conspiracy with the devil simply to save their lives.