The title of the play "The Crucible" means a pot in which substances are melted at high temperatures or a severe test. This is symbolic of the play as there was tension in Salem due to hysteria and everyone was tried for witchcraft. A tragic hero is a noble and virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy, doomed to ruin, misery, or defeat. In comedy, all characters have flaws and strengths; however, the most notable example is that of the play's protagonist, John Proctor. Arthur Miller portrays Proctor as a man who values ​​his reputation and name in society. Proctor is known for his honesty, integrity and upright behavior. “Proctor, respected and even feared in Salem, has come to see himself as something of an impostor” (Act 1). Despite this, Proctor had two fatal flaws, his relationship with his sixteen-year-old maid, Abigail Williams, and his pride. These wrongful acts would later lead to multiple effects that changed the lives of everyone in Salem. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The main character of the play, John Proctor, was an inactive and statusless member of his society; however, he was a highly respected man in Salem. He was a farmer in his mid-thirties who had a cunning and biting way with hypocrites. Proctor had a powerful, even tempered body, and was not easily led. In fact, "he was the type of man who cannot refuse support to the partisans without attracting their deepest resentment" (act 1). Therefore, he was usually marked for slander. Despite his strengths and steady ways, Proctor had a tormented soul. “He is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of the time, but against his own vision of dignified conduct” (act 1). In addition to his gravest sin, adultery, Proctor continues to make numerous critical and irreversible mistakes that damage his reputation. The Puritan community was known to be religious and had strict laws and had no customs for cleansing sins. However, if someone committed a sin, they would be brutally punished. Due to the fear of being exiled or hanged in a society where a person's reputation plays an important role in daily life, Proctor initially tries to hide his crime. However, Proctor's affair with Abigail Williams triggers a series of events in Salem, where uncertain accusations spiral into a much larger issue. An important fact to know is that Proctor knew that Abigail and the girls were lying to the court and that Abigail was blaming people for practicing witchcraft because she wanted revenge. However, due to fear of ruining his family and reputation, Proctor initially did not confess. In the second act, Elizabeth urges Proctor to go to Salem and reveal Abigail's lies. However, Proctor refuses saying that "the girl is a saint now" even though he knows that's not true. The guilt over his crime continued to sting him throughout the play and it was when his wife, Elizabeth, was accused of witchcraft that he decided to open up to the court. However, by then it was too late to reverse his past actions. Proctor was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. There were also external forces beyond Proctor's control that contributed to his downfall. The injustice and corruption of the Salem court played a major role in the hysteria that spread through the city. In Salem, once a person is convicted of witchcraft they must go to court and confess to having practiced witchcraft, otherwise they would be hanged. Many innocent people wrongly accused of witchcraft do not, 55(1), 31-49.