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Who Is John Proctor A Dynamic Character In The Crucible

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In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, one of the most dynamic and influential characters is John Proctor. This man is a well looked-upon leader of Salem, who gets caught up in the witch trials of 1692. John plays a key role in the witch trials, who inadvertently affect its outcome throughout the story. Unlike other characters in the story, John gradually changes throughout the course of the play. He transitions from an unfaithful adulterer to a man of integrity who wants redemption for the sins he committed. John, like many other characters in the play, had a dark side. One of his main flaws was that he committed the sin of adultery. By having an affair with Abigail, his wife does not trust him anymore and created gaps between their marriage. This is evident when John argues with Elizabeth in the barn; ‘’ Spare me! You forget nothin' and …show more content…

He starts to reveal his true nature and character towards the end of the play when he is forced to either confess a sin he did not commit or be hanged by the neck until death. At that point, he decides to sacrifice his life to protect his name and redeem himself for the sins he committed; ‘’Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth 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!’’ (Miller 143). Moreover, Danforth compels John to confess; ’Is that document a lie? If it is a lie, I will not accept it! What say you? I will not deal in lies, Mister! You will give me your honest confession in my hand, or I cannot keep you from the rope. Which way do you go, Mister?’’ (Miller 143-144). Therefore, John ‘’tears the paper and crumples it.’’This reveals that john develops a strong moral compass throughout the play and decides to protect his family name because he believes that death is better than living a life full of

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