The Crucible facts for kids

The Crucible is a famous play written in the 1950s by Arthur Miller. It tells a story about the Salem Witch Trials, which happened a long time ago in America. Miller wrote this play during a time called McCarthyism. During McCarthyism, many people were scared of communism. Some people wrongly accused others of being communists, just like people were accused of being witches in Salem. The word "crucible" means a very difficult test or challenge. This name fits the play because the characters face many tough situations. Miller wanted the play to show how fear and false accusations can harm people, comparing the Salem Witch Trials to the events of McCarthyism.

Characters in The Crucible

Many characters in The Crucible are based on real people from the Salem Witch Trials. Some also remind us of people from the 1950s Red Scare, like Joseph McCarthy.

Main Characters

• John Proctor: A farmer in the town. He had a past connection with Abigail Williams. He has three sons. John is accused of being a witch. He refuses to say he is guilty when he is not, and he dies to protect his good name.
• Abigail Williams: The niece of Reverend Parris. She used to work for John and Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail uses the witch trials to gain power in the town and get back at Elizabeth.
• Reverend Parris: The local church leader. He starts the witch problem by calling in Reverend Hale. He is Abigail's uncle.
• Elizabeth Proctor: John Proctor's wife. Abigail Williams accuses her of being a witch.
• Reverend John Hale: An expert on witches and the devil from outside Salem. Reverend Parris brings him to town. At first, he tries to find many witches. Later, he realizes the trials are unfair and based on lies, so he leaves them.

Other Important Characters

• Betty Parris: Reverend Parris's daughter. She becomes sick after dancing in the woods.
• Giles Corey: An old man who owns a lot of land. He often argues with his neighbors. He accidentally suggests his wife might be a witch because she reads books. He is arrested for not naming others and dies because he refuses to cooperate with the court.
• Deputy Governor Danforth: One of the judges at the witch trials. He wants to stop all bad things in Salem. He is sure there is a devil in Salem at first, but later he starts to have doubts.
• Thomas Putnam: A man who owns much land. He supports the witch trials to explain why his children died and to buy land from people who are accused.
• Ann Putnam: Thomas Putnam's wife.
• Tituba: A servant to Reverend Parris from the Barbados Islands. She is accused of practicing dark magic.
• Martha Corey: Giles Corey's wife. She is accused of being a witch because she reads books.
• Rebecca Nurse: An old and religious woman. She is killed because she does not believe the witch trials are fair. Mrs. Putnam accuses her because Rebecca has many children, while most of Mrs. Putnam's babies died.
• Cheever: The person who records what happens at the trials. He is told to arrest people.

See also

In Spanish: Las brujas de Salem para niños