The Crucible ​by Arthur Miller

Character Analysis of John Proctor 

Assignment:​ You will complete a character analysis of Miller’s character, John Proctor, in a 2-3 page
essay. Your essay should be in MLA format (MLA heading, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman
font,) and include ​in-text citations of the text​.

In your essay, evaluate:

1. Proctor’s character traits​ - Describe Proctor’s behavior and attitudes (his personality), ​AND​ how
his character evolves throughout the story, from beginning to end:
○ What events create this change?
○ As you describe him, ask yourself what might be the cause of his particilar
attitude/demeanor, and explain.
○ How do others perceive him? Does their view change? Why?

2. His role in the story​ - What purpose does Proctor serve within the play?
○ In your opinion, why did Miller write Proctor’s character the way he did? What larger
purpose is served through the use of Proctor’s character - (what does the reader learn
from Proctor’s journey?)
○ Why is Proctor’s role especially important during the time in which the play is written?
Discuss why this play (and Proctor’s character, specifically) might have been
controversial at the time, AND STILL RELEVANT TODAY!

3. Conflicts ​- Discuss Proctor’s internal and external conflicts throughout the play. Generally, his
internal and external conflicts are intertwined. Consider the following conflicts and ​what happens
as a result of these conflicts:

- Proctor’s mistrust in Parris

- Elizabeth and John’s marriage
- Proctor’s affair
- The Witch Hunt
- Mary Warren
- Proctor’s own self-image/pride

When analyzing, you will want to think critically, ask questions, and draw conclusions about the character
by looking at these three areas. ​You will need 3 quotes from the play​, either Proctor’s own lines, or
lines describing, or said to, Proctor. Cite these appropriately in the text using parenthetical citations. For
example:

(The following is an example of a character analysis of Danforth)

Danforth displays his icy, unfeeling, attitude toward those who are prosecuted, as well as his rigid
commitment to the court when he says, “who weeps for these, weeps for corruption” (144), after
sentencing Proctor and Nurse to death by hanging.

Format:*****
The organization of this paper is entirely up to you. I ask that once you decide on the order of your
discussion, ​you introduce and close your essay accordingly​. You may choose to discuss the topics in
the order I’ve presented them here, evaluating Proctor’s evolution from beginning to end within this topic.
You might also choose to take a chronological approach, and go by each act in the play (4 total).
 The Crucible ​by Arthur Miller
Character Analysis of John Proctor 

.
Intro:​ Your introduction should let the reader know the order in which you plan to address each topic.
Conclusion: ​Your conclusion should consider an end result to all of the topics identified. Perhaps you
would like to offer your own thoughts on the character - do you believe the reader can sympathize with
this character and why/why not?

Use this space to brainstorm the order you will discuss these topics, and search for textual evidence to
support your analysis.

Main Idea:

Supporting Details:

Evidence (Quote):

Main Idea:

Supporting Details:

Evidence (Quote):

Main Idea:

Supporting Details:

Evidence (Quote):

Main Idea:

Supporting Details:

Evidence (Quote):