Crucible - Character Flaws

  Flaws are present in everyone. These flaws make everyone more realistic because no one is perfect as they say. Being flawed means having some bad traits or having a lack of good qualities. The influence that the flaws made on others are also taken into account.

The following characters will be ranked from least flawed to most flawed (from top to bottom):

Mary Warren, she is shown using this opportunity in order to gain something from it like power. Although this can lead to bad things, there was no one affected by it. The following quote expresses the flaw: “Mary Warren: They had Doctor Griggs examine her, and she’s full to the brim.

And smokin’ a pipe all these years, and no husband either! But she’s safe, thank

God, for they'll not hurt the innocent child, But be that not a marvel? You must

see it, sir, it’s God’s work we do. So I'll be gone every day for some time. I’m -

I am an official of the court, they say, and I - She has been edging toward

onstage.

Proctor: I’ll official you! He strides to the mantel, takes down the whip hanging

there.

Mary Warren, terrified, but coming erect, striving for her au-thority: I’ll notstand whipping any more!”

Reverend Hale, the flaw he possesses is shown in the quote: “Like almost all men of learning,

he spent a good deal of his time pondering the invisible world, especially since

he had himself encountered a witch in his parish not long before. That woman,

however, turned into a mere pest under his searching scrutiny, and the child she

had allegedly been afflicting recovered her normal behavior after Hale had

given her his kindness and a few days of rest in his own house. However, that

experience never raised a doubt in his mind as to the reality of the under-world

or the existence of LuciferNs many-faced lieutenants.” So he does not admit to himself that this whole witch stuff is fake from prior experiences.

John Proctor, the following quote shows his flaw: “Like almost all men of learning,

he spent a good deal of his time pondering the invisible world, especially since

he had himself encountered a witch in his parish not long before. That woman,

however, turned into a mere pest under his searching scrutiny, and the child she

had allegedly been afflicting recovered her normal behavior after Hale had

given her his kindness and a few days of rest in his own house. However, that

experience never raised a doubt in his mind as to the reality of the under-world

or the existence of Lucifer’s many-faced lieutenants.” John Proctor cheats on his wife with Abigail and expects forgiveness from her even though he’s at fault and it is shown to affect Elizabeth greatly too. 

Mr. Putnam, this quote shows his flaw: “PuTNAM: This woman must be hanged! She must be taken and hanged!” So Mr. Putnam starts believing that Tituba actually talked with the devil and so he tries to have her hanged and killed which shows his flaw of trying to accuse others for revenge.

Reverend Parris, the quote shows his flaw: “Parris: Now Mr. HaleNs returned, there is hope, I think - for if he bring even one

of these to God, that confession surely damns the others in the public eye, and

none may doubt more that they are all linked to Hell. This way, unconfessed

and claiming innocence, doubts are multiplied, many honest people will weep

for them, and our good purpose is lost in their tears.“ Parris is also showing his very dangerous accusational nature and its even worse than Putnam’s because he is making sure that the innocents can’t get away if they claim their innocence.

Judge Danforth, the quote shows his flaw: “I cannot hear you. What do you say? Mary utters again unintelligibly

You will confess yourself or you will hang! He turns her roughly to face him.

Do you know who I am? I say you will hang if you do not open with me!” Judge Danforth’s flaw that really ranks high on the list is that he uses his power greatly and pride to do what he wants even if a lot of people have to die for it and he kills many innocents in the end.

Abigail Williams, the following quote shows her flaw: “Abigail: I have been hurt, Mr. Danforth; I have seen my blood runnin’ out! I

have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the

DevilNs people - and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied, questioned

like a -” Abigail started everything and made a ton of accusations just because she was selfish and wanted the blame to go to someone else instead.