"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller: John Proctor Charachter Analysis: Outline

Kaylin Tingle

Advanced American Studies

Mrs. Berry/ Mrs. Miller

30th September 2003

Character Analysis Outline

I. Introduction and Thesis

A. The Crucible by Arthur Miller

B. Brief synopsis of play

C. Additional Data

D. Thesis: John Proctor, a small farmer in Salem, stands up for what he believes in, while nearly everyone else in the village of Salem gives into the mass hysteria.

II. Proctor stands up in Act I

A. Hale comes to Parris's house to see Betty

B. Hale, Giles, and Proctor are discussing the current situation in Salem

C. Giles says, "He don't believe in witches" (Miller 35). While Proctor doesn't agree to this statement, he doesn't deny the fact either, like others would do. "I never spoke on witches one way or another" (Miller 35) he replies.

D. While most would become very defensive when faced with this situation, Proctor coolly states that he never said this.

Proctor, Vermont

Proctor, Vermont

Proctor, Vermont

Although he isn't outright saying this statement is true, he doesn't disagree to it, either.

III. Proctor stands up in Act II

A. Hale comes to talk to the Proctors

B. Elizabeth tells John to tell Hale the truth

C. "I have no witness and cannot prove it... but I know the children's sickness had naught to do with witchcraft" (Miller 64).

D. While the rest of the town was agreeing and going along with the girls, Proctor knew that they were wrong and stood up for his beliefs.

IV. Proctor stands up in Act III

A. John brings Mary Warren to confess that she has lied

B. After Mary gets frightened and says that John threatened her, he goes for his last resort

C. "I have known her, sir. I have known her" (Miller 102)

D. This quotation, referring to Proctor's affair with Abigail, shows that he...