Abigail – The Crucible

In Act 1 of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," Abigail Williams is introduced as a central

character. She is a young woman who is fired from her position as a servant in the Proctor
household after an affair with John Proctor, a married man. Abigail's character is revealed to
be both cunning and vindictive, as she harbors a deep grudge against Elizabeth Proctor,
John's wife. The act sets the stage for the looming conflict as Abigail and her friends,
including Betty Parris, are caught dancing in the woods and are accused of engaging in
witchcraft. Abigail's fear of punishment and her desire to be with John Proctor lead her to
manipulate the situation by claiming that their dancing was merely sport and not witchcraft.
Her actions in Act 1 lay the foundation for the unfolding drama and the eventual outbreak of
the Salem witch trials, showcasing her ability to wield influence and manipulate those
around her.