John Proctor

John Proctor is a character who values, above all else, the worth of his name. Consequently, he takes care to always do what is right so that he will be respected. He has done only one major thing wrong in his life'"have an affair with Abigail. He is well aware that the affair was wrong, which is why he refuses to flirt with Abigail in scene one despite the fact that he still likes her. He is so reluctant to tarnish his name that he keeps silent about his affair throughout most of the play, though he knows Abigail is accusing women of witchcraft in hopes of getting Elizabeth killed. Even after twenty-nine women have been jailed, he keeps silent; instead, he persuades Mary to testify against Abigail. It is only when her testimony fails that he finally admits that he had an affair with Abigail.

Unfortunately, by the time Proctor admits he had an affair, it is too late and he ends up being arrested. When given the chance to confess to performing witchcraft, he agrees to do so after talking with Elizabeth; despite his shortcomings, Proctor tries to be a good husband to Elizabeth and wants to be there for her. At this point he is willing to give up his good name for the sake of his life and his marriage. However, when he learns that his name will be posted publicly he changes his mind. He chooses to do what is right, because he has learned that his opinion of himself matters far more than what the public thinks of him. He dies for this decision, but he dies knowing that he has done the right thing.