“One who generates the action of a story and engages the reader's interest and empathy (Janovsky).” By definition, this explains the protagonistic characteristics of John Proctor. John Proctor is the leading character in the play, The Crucible, with flaws and attributes that makes the story's plot stronger. He struggles with internal and external conflict throughout the chaos of Salem due to the Salem Witch Trials and possesses contrasting characteristics towards the antagonist, Abigail WIlliams, and the mentor-like figure, Elizabeth Proctor. John Proctor, in terms of literature, is the protagonist of the playwright, The Crucible.
Having a flaw and something to lose are two key characteristics of most protagonists. John Proctor’s most …show more content…
Once John is accused, Elizabeth helps John see clearer about himself. At first John feels like it was all his fault for the affair and he lacks the ability to forgive himself. He is conflicted and not sure what to think of his situation. He is later on faced with the decision to falsely confess to witchery, or lie and be hanged. While John is tossed between these conflicts, he looks to Elizabeth for guidance (IV.465-468). Elizabeth replies, “I cannot judge you, John (IV.469).” Elizabeth is trying to have Proctor decide for himself because she is now realizing that she was partly to blame for the affair. She admits that she was being a “cold” wife and that was part to blame for John’s lechery. Elizabeth is a character with moral and uprightness. Her ability to understand that she was not providing one hundred percent happiness to John helps herself come to the conclusion that she is to blame for his sin as well. Due to this, Elizabeth feels that she has no right to make John’s decision for him. For Elizabeth to admit blame upon herself to John helps him relieve his internal conflict of not being able to fully forgive himself. He has a healthier understanding of his current situations which leads him to deny the accusation placed upon him of witchery because he now feels stronger within himself. With the help of Elizabeth's insight, John was able to come to clearer
Having a flaw and something to lose are two key characteristics of most protagonists. John Proctor’s most …show more content…
Once John is accused, Elizabeth helps John see clearer about himself. At first John feels like it was all his fault for the affair and he lacks the ability to forgive himself. He is conflicted and not sure what to think of his situation. He is later on faced with the decision to falsely confess to witchery, or lie and be hanged. While John is tossed between these conflicts, he looks to Elizabeth for guidance (IV.465-468). Elizabeth replies, “I cannot judge you, John (IV.469).” Elizabeth is trying to have Proctor decide for himself because she is now realizing that she was partly to blame for the affair. She admits that she was being a “cold” wife and that was part to blame for John’s lechery. Elizabeth is a character with moral and uprightness. Her ability to understand that she was not providing one hundred percent happiness to John helps herself come to the conclusion that she is to blame for his sin as well. Due to this, Elizabeth feels that she has no right to make John’s decision for him. For Elizabeth to admit blame upon herself to John helps him relieve his internal conflict of not being able to fully forgive himself. He has a healthier understanding of his current situations which leads him to deny the accusation placed upon him of witchery because he now feels stronger within himself. With the help of Elizabeth's insight, John was able to come to clearer