Capazzi 1

Vinny Capazzi

Ms. Shapiro

English Pd. 9

January 14, 2010

The Crucible Essay

Would you die for the good of others? Would you be hung for people you

don’t know? Well, only a truly good person like John Proctor and Jesus Christ would

do a deed like this. Throughout The Crucible, John Proctor takes on many different

challenges and never backs down from them. His actions on these tough situations

are what make him the greatest character in the book. Most ordinary people would

the option, which is easiest. Therefore, John Proctor is the best and most unique

character in The Crucible.

John Proctor will not do anything just to please the people around him . He

does what he believes in and this is one reason why he is the best character in the

play. For example, John Proctor fights constantly to stay with his wife Elizabeth .

Proctor yells at Hale “Out with you!” while ripping the warrant that has permission

for Hale to arrest Elizabeth (pg76). His wife is then arrested and John is still saying,

“I will bring you home. I will bring you home soon” (pg77). This shows that John

believes that his wife is innocent and will fight for her to bring justice . Also, after

Proctor confesses, he refuses to let his name be posted on the church door . Proctor
 Capazzi 2

believes God saw him and no one else should. Proctor is yelling at Danforth and

says, “God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are” (pg142) . Then, Proctor

tears the piece of paper and crumples it (pg144) . Proctor ripped that piece of paper

because he believes he is doing the right thing and that shows he fights for what he

wants. In conclusion, because Proctor is not afraid to fight for himself and others, he

is the best character in the play.

Also, John Proctor has many favorable qualities. Many readers like how he is

very honest. Even though it would be really easy to lie at certain parts, he comes

through and tells the truth. For example, he tells the truth in the courtroom all the

time. When he is asked if he plows on Sundays, he answers, “I have once or twice

plowed on Sunday” (pg91). When he asked if he reads the Gospel he replies, “I read

the Gospel.” (pg91). Also, John Proctor shows his honesty toward Abigail . Instead of

being nice and telling her what she wants to hear, he tells her the truth . For instance

Abigail states she still waits for Proctor and he replies, “I’ll not be comin’ for you

more” (pg22). He also says to her, “No,no, Abby. That’s done with.” Therefore,

because John Proctor is able to be honest with whoever he talks to, he is consider

one of the most unique character in the play.

Lastly, John Proctor is always giving up things to for the welfare of others .

This is shown when he admits he had an affair with Abigail. By doing this, he

destroys his reputation to prove the court is wrong and save his wife (pg110) . He
 Capazzi 3

also states how, “I will cut off my own hand before I ever reach for you again Abby”

(pg23). To follow, Proctor gave up his life so that the court will no longer go on and

that everyone will be safe from being convicted of being a witch. When convicted of

being a witch and asked to confess, Proctor first signs it but then rips it so that no

one else will be in that situation (pg155). Proctor not confessing reveals the truth

about Parris and the court. Parris knows this and screams, “Proctor! Proctor!” in

hope to get Proctor to change his mind (pg145) . Proctor knows by revealing the

truth, the rest of Salem will be saved. All in all, because Proctor is always looking out

for the benefit of others, he is the best character in the play.

In conclusion, John Proctor through his characteristics and actions prove that

he is the best and most unique person in the play. Whether it’s from his honesty, to

looking out for others, John Proctor does it all. He is an amazing character who

really stands out to readers of The Crucible. Without him, the town of Salem would

be a lot different and probably a lot more people would be either dead, or would be

accused of witchcraft. Therefore, John Proctor is my favorite character in The

Crucible.