Essay/Term paper: Character sketch of john proctor (the crucible)

Essay, term paper, research paper:  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.