The Crucible Play Guide for AQA GCSE Drama

COMPONENT 1 UNDERSTANDING DRAMA 28 Key characters You will need to demonstrate that you understand the characters in the play, including the different ways they could be interpreted and performed. Below are descriptions summarising the main characters. THOMAS PUTNAM • A ‘well-to-do landowner’, ‘near fifty’. • Married to Ann. • In land disputes with many of his neighbours. • Quick to believe and promote accusations of witchcraft. ANN PUTNAM • Wife of Thomas and mother of one child, Ruth, who suddenly behaves strangely. • ‘A twisted soul of forty-five’, ‘haunted by dreams’. • Seven of her babies died shortly after birth and she believes they were ‘murdered’. • Jealous and resentful, particularly of Rebecca. MERCY LEWIS • The Putnams’ 17-year-old servant. • Danced naked in the forest with Tituba and the girls. • Conspires with Abigail to lie about what they have done. • In Act 4, she is said to have run away with Abigail. FRANCIS NURSE • Respected member of the Salem community. • Married to Rebecca. • Fights to clear Rebecca’s name when she is imprisoned. • In conflict with the Putnams. REBECCA NURSE • Highly respected member of the Salem community. • Seventy-two, ‘white-haired, leaning upon her walking stick’. • Married to Francis. They have 11 children and 26 grandchildren. • Sensible: thinks the children are just having a ‘silly season’. • Accused of witchcraft and imprisoned. • Goes to her death with John Proctor. The Proctor household Neighbours JOHN PROCTOR • Respected farmer, in his thirties. • Married to Elizabeth; they have three children. • Had a relationship with Abigail Williams, which he confesses to his wife. • In conflict with Reverend Parris – does not always go to church on Sunday. • Realises that the girls are not telling the truth. • Admits committing adultery with Abigail to expose her falsehoods. • Imprisoned when Elizabeth, unaware that he has confessed, says that he is innocent. • The play’s protagonist . ELIZABETH PROCTOR • Wife of John and mother to their three children. • Suspicious of John since his relationship with Abigail. • Known for her truthfulness. • Accused by Abigail of witchcraft. • Imprisoned, but spared death because she is pregnant. • Lies in an attempt to spare her husband’s reputation. • Is urged to convince Proctor to sign the false confession. MARY WARREN • Servant of the Proctors, 17, ‘subservient, naive, lonely’. • Danced in the forest with Abigail and the other girls. • Called as a witness in court. • Forced by John Proctor to tell the truth. • Frightened by Abigail and the girls, she claims John Proctor is the Devil’s man.