Is John Proctor A Tragic Hero

The Crucible by Arthur Miller in 1953 is written in relation to a past event known as the Salem Witch Trials. It is known for its characters and their behavior during the story. Each and every character have their own personality and motivations and many have to do with the outcome. John Proctor plays a major role in this story. Proctor is a farmer in his thirties and is described as a physically strong and powerful man who does not have tolerance for hypocrites. He is what anybody would classify as a “tragic hero.” However, many tragic heroes have a tragic flaw and his of telling the truth no matter what the consequences has much to do with his own outcome and affects those around him. John Proctor is the husband of Elizabeth, who in the beginning of the story is doubtful of him and suspicious because of an affair he has with the minister’s niece, Abigail. She cannot treat him the same way after his betrayal. This causes Proctor to confront Abigail and tell her he will not continue to live in dishonesty. “But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind” (Miller 1270). Proctor is honest with her and he is feeling remorseful. This infuriates Abigail and she turns to revenge. Prior to this event, Abigail is the Proctor’s servant girl, but Elizabeth fires her when her suspicion grows. This definitely

He did not live in lies and could not stand to. He chose honesty over anything. He did not care about consequences. He is true to himself at all times. People back then and even now have chosen to lie as an easy way out. They may feel like lying is the only way out. Too much of a coward to deal with the outcome of their own actions. It is very difficult to understand how or why Proctor could’ve chosen to be hung rather than to lie. A tragic hero. Someone who makes an error that eventually leads to his/her own destruction. Proctor made the inevitable error of being