Character: John Proctor
John Proctor is a major character. He is important to the story. I would also call John dynamic. He has an attitude change between Act I and Act II. In the first part of the story, John seems very "chill" and in the second act, he is uptight and crabby. The conversations between him and Abigail show his anger. I would also classify John as a romantic hero due to Abigail's obsession with him. John is not quite a protagonist but he is valuable due to his opposing of witchcraft. He adds more drama to the story.
John's affair with Abigail fuels most of his tension with Elizabeth. She obviously feels hurt even though it's been seven months. That is made very clear by the way she mentions "adultery" to John while he ironically forgets that specific commandment. Reverend Hale and Parris do not like how John doesn't support the witch trials. John even went so far to say how he would be in a coalition against Parris if one did exist. Joking or not, he doesn't beat around the bush.
John's conflicts would be described as man v. society. He is going against the town and the crazy witch theories. He strives to overcome this by speaking his mind and not giving in to pressure. Even though he tries his best to show he's correct, in the end he will perish by hanging.
I think that as the play goes on you will see that he becomes much more the protagonist. Your other assertions about his character are valid.
ReplyDeleteWhat about John's personal struggles dealing with his adultery? I think that becomes a key element of the type of person that he really is. Direct quotes? 8/10