What makes a character a protagonist? Is it the length of time a reader spends with him or her? Or is it a character’s tendency for doing good? In correct context, the definition of a protagonist includes, “A leading character advocating for a particular cause or belief.” Along with this, a protagonist furthers the plot and allows for continuous movement within the story. John Proctor is the protagonist of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” because he is an advocate of a cause or belief and a figure that furthers the plot.
John Proctor is an advocate of several causes. One event that he fights against is the court's decision to condemn his wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft. He states to the court, “..she thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave!..” (III.374-384). Proctor reveals that Abigail’s true motivation is revenge. Once Elizabeth is out of the way, Abigail can resume her affair with John. Proctor explains this in an attempt …show more content…
John explains, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies!”(IV.725-727). This is developing the plot because his internal conflict is whether he should live but live untruthfully, or die an honorable man. It also continues the plot, as a protagonist would, by further emphasizing his nobility. Another internal conflict within John that keeps the plot flowing is his confession of the affair. If he confesses to committing adultery it will tarnish his name within the community. On the other hand if he does not confess he will sustain his reputation but be untruthful. “We will slide together into our pit; you will tell the court what you know.”(II.984-985). Proctor is asking Elizabeth to tell the court about the affair to save her life. With this, John’s name will be tarnished in the community but will remain an honest man. All of these internal conflicts and external feuds are centered around John Proctor and help to further the
John Proctor is an advocate of several causes. One event that he fights against is the court's decision to condemn his wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft. He states to the court, “..she thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave!..” (III.374-384). Proctor reveals that Abigail’s true motivation is revenge. Once Elizabeth is out of the way, Abigail can resume her affair with John. Proctor explains this in an attempt …show more content…
John explains, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies!”(IV.725-727). This is developing the plot because his internal conflict is whether he should live but live untruthfully, or die an honorable man. It also continues the plot, as a protagonist would, by further emphasizing his nobility. Another internal conflict within John that keeps the plot flowing is his confession of the affair. If he confesses to committing adultery it will tarnish his name within the community. On the other hand if he does not confess he will sustain his reputation but be untruthful. “We will slide together into our pit; you will tell the court what you know.”(II.984-985). Proctor is asking Elizabeth to tell the court about the affair to save her life. With this, John’s name will be tarnished in the community but will remain an honest man. All of these internal conflicts and external feuds are centered around John Proctor and help to further the