An example is when Abigail calls Proctor a "strong man."(pg 1246) With these clues it is evident that at the beginning, John Proctor has a strong-willed personality.
In Act II, the beginnings of change appear in Proctor's character. While in Act I, we see Procter as having a strong, steady manner. In Act II, however, Proctor's demeanor slowly deteriorates as the knowledge of his sin riddles his heart. Proctor becomes a broken man; one steeped in guilt at his crime. He realizes that he is guilty of the sin of adultery, and inadvertently providing Abigail with the perfect vector in which to seek revenge on his wife.
Abigail thus seeks revenge as well as on those others who have wronged her. Proctor becomes a bitter man who feels he is constantly reminded of his sin, by his wife. An example is when Elizabeth Proctor says, "I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you."(pg 1271) This shows that Elizabeth sees how guilty Proctor acts around her, and how his change in personality is evident to her. However, this is not the only change we see in Proctor in this act. Later, while Elizabeth is being accused and subsequently arrested for bewitching Abigail, Proctor shows determination and a protective spirit towards Elizabeth. He changes from a guilt-ridden man to one ready to take action to save his wife's innocence and goodness, even if proving her innocence means discrediting himself in the process. This attitude is evident when Proctor is confronted with the warrant for his wife's arrest. He immediately becomes angry and discounts Abigail's testimony against his wife. This flare of emotion, especially when he takes the warrant and tears it into pieces, shows how much he loves and is dedicated to his wife. These are the forces of change to which Proctor will later evolve through the play.
Act III continues with Proctor heartily attempting to clear his wife's name. He approaches the court with his evidence against Abigail in order to free his wife.
