Over the course of any story, authors take time to carefully develop the characters they have created. Characters introduced in the beginning of the storyline are often seen very differently by the end because of all the background information and detail that has been given over time. Often these characters are not only seen more clearly but are also changed due to events that occur in the plot. In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, John Proctor is a character who is not only further developed by background but also by the events that take place in the play. When first introduced, John Proctor has little significance to the conflict. The problem of witchcraft does not affect him personally so he does not do much about it. He tries to be as honest of a man as he can possibly be. He admits to his deeds when he makes mistakes and puts his honor above all else. He is the type of man who …show more content…
This is where Proctor begins to get involved with the main conflict of the story. Now that he personally is affected, he begins to aid in the attempt to save the lives of those who have been said to be witches. Proctor is now driven by the desire to save his wife. Not only does he want to free his wife, but he also wants justice and to do what is right. Honor plays a big role in Proctor’s mind while he is making decisions. In the beginning of the play, Proctor choses to confess to his wife about the affair he had with Abigail, their former servant. This act shows Proctor’s need to do the right thing and to protect his honor as best he can. Though he has made a mistake, he knows the best way to stay an honest man is to come clean about what he has done. At the end of the play, when Proctor is given the opportunity to lie in order to save his own life, he cannot go through with it because he refuses to have his lie become public and ruin his good