Arthur Miller's The Crucible is an exciting and suspenseful play depicting the horrors of the Salem witch trials. Miller uses the theme of truth and righteousness to show the absurdity of the incident. The theme is conveyed through the struggles of John Proctor, the main character and tragic hero of the play. Proctor, a respected Salem citizen accused of practicing witchcraft, possesses every aspect of a tragic hero.
             A tragic hero is basically good. John Proctor is essentially a good man. Throughout the entire play, he sees through the hysteria and knows it is a fraud. When Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, discuss the state of Salem, he says it is "a black mischief" (Act II). Although he truly believes "vengeance is walking Salem...vengeance writes the law" (Act II), he will not announce his skepticism and hate of the events transpiring and does not get involved immediately. When he is asked to testify for Elizabeth, he swallows his pride and tries to save her and says he will "fall like an ocean on that court!" (Act II) When Elizabeth is taken away in chains, he decides to fight the proceedings. He does this knowing he must confess to his own adultery with a younger woman named Abigail. Proctor presents a petition signed by 91 townspeople testifying to the good character of their wives. One of Abigail's friends, Mary Warren, accuses Proctor of practicing witchcraft. Proctor refuses to confess, despite his consequential execution.
             A tragic hero possesses a flaw that eventually brings out his demise. John Proctor's vice is his pride. Although Proctor's pride contributes to his demise, it is mainly the witchcraft hysteria that causes his death. His affair with Abigail is out of pride to prove his manhood. He doesn't work against the witch trials in order to maintain his reputation but finally is forced to try and save his wi
             ...