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. S - 53 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. S - 55 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: S - 57 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: S - 59 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: S - 61 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: S - 63 Reproducible Student Worksheet