Essay/Term paper: The crucible: john proctor

Essay, term paper, research paper:  The Crucible

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.