Reverend Parris Minister in Salem. He believes a faction plans to force him to leave Salem, so he attempts to strengthen his authority through the witch trial proceedings.
Betty Parris Parris’ daughter. Her father discovers her dancing in the woods, and she later accuses individuals of practicing witchcraft.
Abigail Williams Parris’ niece. She instigates the witch trials by falsely accusing others of witchcraft. She pretends to see spirits and instructs the other girls to pretend as well.
Tituba Parris’ black slave. Parris discovers her casting spells and making potions with the girls in the woods.
Mrs. Ann Putnam Wife of Thomas Putnam. She believes that a witch is responsible for the deaths of her seven infant children. Her jealousy of Rebecca Nurse leads her to accuse Goody Nurse of being a witch.
Thomas Putnam A greedy landowner in Salem. He systematically accuses his neighbors of witchcraft so that he might purchase their lands after they hang.
Ruth Putnam The Putnams’ daughter. She accuses individuals of practicing witchcraft. A witness claims to have heard Putnam say Ruth’s accusations helped him obtain land.
Mary Warren Servant to the Proctors. She goes along with Abigail and the girls by falsely accusing others of witchcraft; however, she later admits that she was lying.
Mercy Lewis Servant to the Putnams and friend to Abigail. She participates in the witch trials by pretending to see spirits and falsely accusing individuals of witchcraft.
John Proctor Salem farmer and former lover of Abigail’s. He openly denounces Parris and does not attend church.
