The Crucible Character Analysis Essay – English 11
Rough Draft: Monday, September 21st
Final Draft: Wednesday September 23rd, with Tii receipt
Write a minimum 2.5-3 page essay in which you answer the following prompt:
1. Based on the events found in all Acts of The Crucible, which character from the options is the most culpable for
the events of the Salem Witch Trials?
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Reverend Samuel Parris
Tituba
Abigail Williams
John Proctor
Thomas & Ann Putnam
Mary Warren
Other: ________________________
When developing your response think about the following for your character:
-Relationships
-Values
-Actions
-Motivations
2. How do these aspects of your character contribute to the hysteria of Salem, more so than any other character?
Do not argue that your character is solely to blame for the Salem Witch Trials, this would be false as there are
many characters who effected events during this time. Rather, argue that your character, in particular, is the most
culpable based on the above analytical criteria.
High scoring papers will include:
 Final draft typed, MLA Formatting, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font
 An inviting introduction (include author and title of text), with a clear “Although” thesis statement with Green
Word concepts
 A minimum of three SPC paragraphs supporting your position, as stated in thesis
 A minimum of FOUR direct quotes. From multiple Acts and with proper parenthetical citations
SPC in a Nutshell
Statement: the argument you are trying to prove
Proof: the facts/evidence that will support and help prove your statement/argument
Commentary: the analysis/inferences you make, connecting your proof with your
statement. (i.e. the glue that holds this argument together.)
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Statements must include Green Word/s, which will be supported by proof and explained and analyzed in the
commentary.
Proof is smoothly integrated and properly cited, supporting the argument/s of the statement/s.
Commentary connects proof and statement/s together, explaining the relevance and offering further
insights/inferences into the character’s thoughts, actions, and motivations based upon proof.
High-quality writing conventions (fluid and diverse sentence structures, strong vocabulary/phrasing, etc.)
Appropriate formal tone:
o Do not refer to yourself in the writing.
o Do no ask questions of the reader. (It’s a paper, not a conversation.)
o No contractions, eg. “didn’t”.
o No exclamation marks.
The Crucible Character Analysis Sample Paragraph
Statement:
Abigail’s increasing desperation towards John Proctor makes her an unpredictable and volatile
character whose sole intent is to claim Proctor as her own, no matter the repercussions to the
community of Salem.
Proof:
Despite Proctor’s resistance to her declaration of love, Abigail exclaims, “A wild thing may say
wild things. But not so wild, I think” (Act One, Line 177).
Commentary:
Abigail admits that she is a wild individual and it is this very characterization that makes her a
threat to the Salem community. She exhibits no remorse in her relationship with Proctor; rather
she defiantly proclaims her love for him. If anything, her attitude is cavalier, uncaring of the
outside world’s opinion of her alleged love of this married man. This relationship goes against
the morality of the Puritans, threatening the unity and ideals of the Salem community if it is
uncovered.
Transition Sentence/s to a new idea in next paragraph:
Abigail’s every action in Act One is to cover up the affair and her motivation for dancing in the
woods, that being to conduct a charm which would kills Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth. These
deceptions prove to be the catalyst to the larger events and repercussions of the witch trials,
claiming the lives of countless innocent souls.
*Reference teal SPC notes handout for further guidance*