In the story “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, the character, John Proctor, was one of the
highly respected individuals in the town of Salem. He lend a hand around the town, was known
for his good deeds, and was wrongfully killed for telling the truth and not a lie. This is what
makes him a tragic hero.
John Proctor is considered a tragic hero because he has had a tremendous fall. Before the play
really starts off, he was described as this respectable individual who everyone looked up to
because of the great things he did for the town. However, when his wife Elizabeth Proctor found
out that Proctor was having an affair with Abigail, she kicked Abigail out and the rumors began.
Elizabeth knows that Proctor cheated on her yet remains with him throughout the
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He was trying to amend the relationship.
Proctor realizes in court when Mary Warren accused him of being the devil that all his poorly
made choice of sleeping with Abigail led him to his fate. A couple of months after he was
accused and sent to jail, the judge brings in Elizabeth to try and reason with Proctor. Elizabeth
told the judge that she doesn’t promise anything and to let her talk to him to see what decision
they could come to. Proctor does eventually confess to working with the devil, signs the
confession, but then he freaks out, grabs the confession, and tore it in half. Proctor made a
decision when he ripped up his confession. He chose to die telling the truth rather than lie, live
and taint his family’s name.
The punishment did exceed the crime. This whole witchcraft accusation started with Proctor
and Abigail having the affair. After he realized his mistake, Proctor wanted nothing to do with
Abigail. Abigail, heartbroken, and a couple of other girls were caught dancing naked in the
woods. Abigail did confess to Tituba forcing her to drink a potion that could kill Elizabeth.
However, when Reverend Parris catches the girls dancing naked in the woods, the