Characters
This character is the minister of Salem and is especially worried about how the events in his household will affect his reputation.
Reverend Parris
What were Abigail, Betty, and the other girls doing in the forest before the events of Act I began?
Dancing/participating in a ritual in the forest
CAUSE: Parris discovers the girls were involved in something suspicious in the forest.
EFFECT: What does he do?
He becomes concerned about witchcraft and calls for Reverend Hale
What religious group strongly influences the laws, expectations, and daily life of Salem?
Puritains
What does Ann Putnam's concern about her dead babies reveal about her character?
She is willing to believe in supernatural explanations because she desperately wants answers
This character had a past relationship with John Proctor and becomes one of the most important accusers in Salem.
Abigail Williams
What does Reverend Parris discover that causes him to become concerned about what happened in the forest?
He discovers the girls dancing and sees Tituba involved
CAUSE: Tituba is threatened with severe punishment.
EFFECT: What does she do to protect herself?
She confesses and begins naming people she claims worked with the Devil
Why does reputation matter so much to characters like Parris and Proctor?
Their reputation determines how the community sees them and affects their social standing, authority, and relationships
Which character's actions demonstrate that she is willing to accuse others in order to protect herself?
Abigail Williams
This character is the expert on witchcraft who comes to Salem to investigate what is happening.
Reverend Hale
What does Tituba do after being threatened and pressured by Parris and Hale?
She confesses to witchcraft and accuses others
CAUSE: Abigail begins accusing other people of witchcraft.
EFFECT: What happens to the situation in Salem?
The accusations spread and more people become suspected
Why would an accusation of witchcraft be taken so seriously in Salem?
The people of Salem strongly believed in the Devil and supernatural evil
Why does John Proctor's relationship with Abigail create a conflict for him?
He had an affair with her, and revealing what he knows about Abigail could expose that affair
This character is John Proctor's wife and becomes one of the people accused of witchcraft.
Elizabeth Proctor
What important religious test does Reverend Hale give John Proctor?
He asks John to recite the Ten Commandments
CAUSE: John Proctor knows Abigail was lying about witchcraft.
EFFECT: Why doesn't he immediately expose her?
Doing so could reveal his affair with Abigail
Why is Rebecca Nurse's accusation particularly shocking?
She is known as a respected, religious, and morally good woman
Why is John Proctor's forgotten commandment significant?
He forgets the commandment against adultery, which connects directly to his affair with Abigail
This character makes the poppet, tells the truth about how it was made, but is afraid to challenge Abigail.
Mary Warren
What evidence is used to connect Elizabeth Proctor to Abigail's injury?
The poppet with a needle in it and the needle found in Abigail
CAUSE: Abigail claims that Elizabeth Proctor sent her spirit to harm her.
EFFECT: What happens to Elizabeth?
Elizabeth is arrested
What does Act I suggest can happen when fear becomes more powerful than evidence?
Accusations can spread, innocent people can be blamed, and the situation can become difficult to control
What is the biggest problem developing in Salem by the end of Act I?
Fear and accusations are causing innocent people to become targets