The Crucible: John Proctor Essay, Research Paper

The Crucible: John Proctor

A character is an elaborate blend of emotions and characteristics. Even

though the character’s emotions are significant because they make an individual

feel for the character may it be sympathy or anger. The characteristics are very

also important because they make the character. They describe the character’s

nature even if they are good hearted or if they are evil incarnate. Many times

there is one word that can single-handedly describe the character’s reaction or

behavior toward some other anomaly. In John Proctor’s case the word that

illustrates him in entirety is ethical.

Bravery is a trait that suits John Proctor well. When Proctor tried to

convince everyone that the girls were lying, was an instance of bravery because

children were thought of as the vice of god and they were pure of blemishes.

Proctor also fought the court trying to keep them from convicting his spouse

even though nobody else would dare to do. Another quality that made him brave

was when he confessed to the court that he had an affair with Abigail just to

save his life.

That John Proctor is brave, is obvious but ha can also be very extreme

at some times. An instance of Proctor’s extremity was when he shouted, “I say -

I say – God is dead!”(Pg. 119), and that he will see all of them burn in hell.

That statement implied to the court that Proctor worshipped the Devil and

committed perjury. When Proctor tore the warrant issued for the arrest of

Elizabeth showed his ability to defy the court and in a way his religion because

the court was controlled by religion. Keeping Mary Warren from court was extreme

because he was keeping her from doing her duty and from feeling important for

the first time.

Even if one is brave or extreme, doesn’t mean that they cannot be

dignified too. Proctor acted dignified when he tries to please his wife in every

way after he admitted to having an affair with Abigail. He did this by doing

what she said and not complaining and acting nice and calm. He also exhibits

dignity when he signs the confession and then later tears it up. This showed

that he cared more about his belief than he did about his life. By not buckling

under pressure, Proctor was able to refuse to give into Danforth’s and Abigail’s

power of persuasion, which showed a great deal of dignity.

It is certain then that Proctor is an individual of many characteristics

but only one stands out, that is that he is ethical. Due to being ethical he is

also brave, extreme, and dignified. These characteristics tend to make a good

character.