The title of the play “The Crucible” refers to a pot in which you melt substances at high temperatures or during a severe test. This is symbolic of the play because there was tension in Salem because of the hysteria and everyone was tried for witchcraft. A tragic hero is a noble and virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is doomed to downfall, misery, or defeat. In the play, all the characters have flaws and strengths; However, the most notable example is that of the play's protagonist, John Proctor. Arthur Miller portrays Proctor as a man who values ​​his reputation and name in society. Proctor is known for his honesty, integrity and upright behavior. “Proctor, respected and even feared in Salem, came to view himself as something of a fraud” (Act 1). Despite this, Proctor had two fatal flaws: his affair with his sixteen-year-old servant, Abigail Williams, and his pride. These illicit acts would later have countless effects that would change the lives of everyone in Salem. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The main character of the play, John Proctor, was a statusless and inactive member of his society; however, he was a well-respected man in Salem. He was a farmer in his thirties who had a cunning and biting way with hypocrites. Proctor was powerful in body, even angry, and was not easily led. In fact, “he was the sort of man who could not withhold support from a supporter without arousing their deepest resentment” (Act 1). This is why he was generally accused of slander. Despite his strengths and firm attitude, Proctor had a troubled soul. “He is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of the times, but against his own vision of decent conduct” (Act 1). In addition to his major sin, adultery, Proctor continues to make many critical and irreversible mistakes that damage his reputation. The Puritan community was known to be religious and had strict laws, and they had no customs for cleansing sins. However, if anyone committed a sin, then they would be brutally punished. Fearing exile or hanging in a society where a person's reputation plays a major role in their daily life, Proctor initially attempts to hide his crime. Nonetheless, Proctor's affair with Abigail Williams sets off a series of events in Salem, where uncertain accusations grow into a much larger problem. An important fact to know is that Proctor knew that Abigail and the girls were lying in court, and that Abigail was blaming people for practicing witchcraft because she wanted revenge. However, for fear of ruining his family and reputation, Proctor did not initially confess. In the second act, Elizabeth urges Proctor to go to Salem and expose Abigail's lies. However, Proctor refuses, saying that "the girl is a saint now", even though he knows that is not true. The guilt of his crime continued to sting him throughout the play and it was when his wife, Elizabeth, was accused of witchcraft that he decided to open up in court. However, by then it was too late to reverse his past actions. Proctor was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. There were also outside forces beyond Proctor's control that contributed to his downfall. The injustice and corruption of the Salem court played a significant role in the hysteria that spread through the city. In Salem, once a person is convicted of witchcraft, they must appear in court and confess that they practiced., 55(1), 31-49.