Who Is John Proctor's Reputation In The Crucible

The Crucible written by Arthur Miller is a story riddled with Deception, greed, betrayal and manipulation, but it is the actions of main protagonist John Proctor that draws the most attention. The character of Proctor is one of integrity, anger and fallibility which leads to many readers being able to relate to John Proctor the most. Proctor sees the many faults in Salem and acts as the voice for those being wrongly accused of Witchcraft.

Proctor is strong willed, honest and determined, which has given him a well respected reputation throughout the town. But there is one fatal flaw, his past relations with Abigail Williams. Proctor commits adultery by cheating on wife Elizabeth, with his much younger house maid Abigail. Proctor is often faced

The town is in this motion due to a master manipulator, Abigail Williams. She is the person behind this hysteria and is the reason for so many people being imprisoned for suspected witchery. Proctor has the ability to ruin Abigail's reputation, but in return will do the same to his. If Proctor confesses to the court that he has committed adultery with Abigail Williams, then her word will be extremely tarnished but would also have devastating affects on he as well. After one failed attempt into ruining Abigail's reputation, he finally confesses to the 'court' that he has committed adultery with Abigail by stating that "She is a whore!" The confession is almost successful, but it was too late, and that the extreme manipulation by Abigail has already gone too far, and the beliefs of the people throughout Salem can't be broken. During these times, Proctor had two potions, either to save himself and keep his mouth shut, or expose Abigail for what she really is but confessing to adultery. Proctor thinks of others before himself in this instance, putting their lives above his own reputation, a quality of a

Proctor initially confesses to witchcraft to protect his wife who he feels he has wronged. Proctor does not name names of people who have committed witchcraft to the court, although it could possibly save his own life. He does not want to harm anymore innocent people and instead sacrifices his own needs to help others, a trait of a hero. Danforth desperately wants Proctor to sign a written confession which will be hung on the door of the church, Proctor does not stand for this. When asked why, Proctor returns with "Because it's my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not wort the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!". He does not want the signed confession to be posted on the church door thus to save his name, protecting his wife and children. He does not want his name to be tarnished in the town, which would have affect on the way his children and wife can live their