The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller in 1953, is a dramatized account of the Salem witch trials that took place in Massachusetts in the late 17th century. The play serves as a commentary on the McCarthyism era in the 1950s, when the United States was in the grip of a witch hunt for supposed communists. The characters in The Crucible undergo significant changes and transformations as the events of the play unfold, making character development a central aspect of the play. One of the most notable examples of character development in The Crucible is that of John Proctor, who starts off as a flawed but honorable man and transforms into a tragic hero. Proctor initially refuses to confess to a crime he did not commit because he wants to protect his reputation and the reputation of his family. However, as the events of the play progress, Proctor is faced with an impossible choice: confess to witchcraft and live, or maintain his innocence and be hanged. Proctor's decision to sign a confession, despite it going against his beliefs and principles, highlights the immense pressure that the court has placed on him. By the end of the play, Proctor has realized the cost of his compromise and chooses to die rather than give in to the court's demands. …show more content…
Abigail starts off as a manipulative and power-hungry individual who is willing to do anything to protect her own interests. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Abigail is driven by fear and desperation, and that her actions are a result of her past experiences and trauma. Abigail's character development serves as a reminder that people's actions are often driven by complex motivations, and that it is important to understand the context behind someone's