Student’s Page­
Name: ________________________________
The Crucible
Date:_________________
Act II
Characterization
Objectives:
Inferring character traits from text
Analyzing characters’ thoughts, motivations, and values
Activity
To help you understand each character’s thoughts, values, and motivations, fill in the Spidergram
Worksheet. Include:
• your first impressions of each character
• the character’s problems or concerns
• what the character thinks of others
• what others think of the character
• the character’s background
• the character’s development throughout the play
• the character’s background
• how the character’s view him-or herself
One example is the first study on Reverend Parris. Complete your character studies by completing spidergrams
for Proctor, Elizabeth, Abigail, Hale, and a character of your choice, such as Mary Warren, Rebecca, Giles,
Tituba, or Mr. or Mrs. Putnam.
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Reproducible Student Worksheet
Student’s Page­
Name: ________________________________
The Crucible
Date:_________________
SPIDERGRAM WORKSHEET
What the character thinks of
himself/herself: Parris is very
insecure in his job as a minister
and fears that the townspeople
will dismiss him. He also feels
unappreciated and undervalued,
especially since he does not even
have the deed to his house.
The character’s development
through the play: Parris’ desire
to be in control is not fulfilled.
Abigail lies to him, and his
main concern is for himself.
Your first impressions of the character:
I noticed that Parris is so hysterical over
his daughter’s illness because he is worried
about himself and his job instead of about
his daughter. He appears to be emotional,
easily agitated, and demanding.
PARRIS
The character’s background: Before coming
to America, Parris worked as a merchant
in Barbados. He brought Tituba, his slave,
with him to America. He is in his forties, is
a widower, and has one child, Betty. He was
educated at Harvard.
What others think of the character: From her
reaction, Tituba is obviously scared of him. Due
to Betty’s illness, it is believed that she is also
afraid. Proctor does not think he is a godly minister and that he places too much emphasis on
material things. Putnam also shows dislike for
him.
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The charcter’s problems/
concerns: Parris is concerned about keeping his
position as minister in Salem at all costs. He even
uses Betty’s sickness as a
way to show his authority
by calling in a specialist,
Hale, and by pretending
to be worried about Betty.
What the character thinks of others:
Parris appears unworried about his
daughter’s condition. He is easily intimidated by others and is always trying to
appear that he is in control. He tries to
win Putnam’s favor by comments, and
he changes his mind to agree with more
powerful characters, such as Hale.
Reproducible Student Worksheet
Student’s Page­
Name: ________________________________
The Crucible
Date:_________________
SPIDERGRAM WORKSHEET
What the character thinks of
himself/herself:
Your first impressions of the character:
The character’s problems/
concerns:
The character’s development
through the play:
PROCTOR
The character’s background:
What the character thinks of others:
What others think of the character:
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Reproducible Student Worksheet
Student’s Page­
Name: ________________________________
The Crucible
Date:_________________
SPIDERGRAM WORKSHEET
What the character thinks of
himself/herself:
Your first impressions of the character:
The character’s development
through the play:
ELIZABETH
The character’s problems/
concerns:
The character’s background:
What the character thinks of others:
What others think of the character:
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Reproducible Student Worksheet
Student’s Page­
Name: ________________________________
The Crucible
Date:_________________
SPIDERGRAM WORKSHEET
What the character thinks of
himself/herself:
Your first impressions of the character:
The character’s development
through the play:
ABIGAIL
The character’s problems/
concerns:
The character’s background:
What the character thinks of others:
What others think of the character:
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Reproducible Student Worksheet
Student’s Page­
Name: ________________________________
The Crucible
Date:_________________
SPIDERGRAM WORKSHEET
What the character thinks of
himself/herself:
Your first impressions of the character:
The character’s problems/
concerns:
The character’s development
through the play:
HALE
The character’s background:
What the character thinks of others:
What others think of the character:
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Reproducible Student Worksheet