I believe Abigail Williams is responsible for the hysteria in salem. She lies and manipulates people and causes the histeria to worsen. She lies to the court and to Mr. Paris. She also manipulates the girls into lying as well. Abigail also wants to keep a good reputation in the town and will do whatever it takes. Abigail Williams lied about the girls and what they were doing in the woods. She told Mr. Paris that they were only dancing. She also lied about the people of the town she accused of witchery. these lies caused the mass hysteria and the trials. If she had not lied than the accused people would have lived. Abigail is also very manipulative. After they were caught in the woods she tells the girls play along and threatened if they