In the extremely religious town of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, frightening and surprising events occurred that caused the town to stir with hysteria. In Arthur Miller's, The Crucible, the witch trials that took place thrived on confessions and accusations between the townsfolk. People let old grudges and jealousies take over and blamed others of witchcraft to save their own lives. Reverend Parris, Governor Danforth and Reverend Hale are three intense characters that accuse John Proctor of witchcraft ultimately to better themselves. .
Reverend Parris, the new minister of Salem's church and the father of Betty Parris, is a paranoid and power-hungry man. His daughter falls sick from "witchcraft" and Parris becomes incredibly concerned that since his daughter is "tainted" by witchcraft, his name will be "tainted" as well. Parris" power within the community is the most important thing to him. Parris says" .just when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise me very character (Miller 11) . Once all the accusations take place, Parris places his focus solely on John Proctor. Proctor and Parris were never fond of each other. He repeatedly accuses Proctor of "attacking the court" (Miller 94) . Proctor has a good name in the village and is highly respected. Proctor, along with many others in the village, knows that Parris is not the "Godly" character that he claims to be. Parris fears him because he knows that Proctor has the power to ruin his career. When Proctor first steps foot in the courtroom Parris immediately says "Beware this man, Your Excellency, this man is mischief" (Miller 88). His accusations against Proctor show his paranoia about his downfall in the village. He is politically vulnerable and strives to take over the trials to protect his personal interests. Parris was living in jeopardy that the witch trials may turn on him and Betty. Proctor is convicted and Parris is relieved because he feels that his name is now safe.