Reverend Samuel Parris

The minister of Salem. A former merchant, Parris is obsessed with his reputation and frequently complains that the village does not pay him enough, earning him a great deal of scorn. 

Gender: male

Tituba

The Parris family slave, Tituba was brought by Parris from Barbados when he moved to Salem and has served him since. 

Gender: female

Abigail Williams

The main antagonist of the play.[7] Abigail previously worked as a maid for Elizabeth Proctor. After Elizabeth suspected Abigail of having an illicit relationship with John Proctor, Williams was fired and disgraced. Using her status as Parris's niece to her advantage, she accuses countless citizens of witchcraft, becoming one of the most powerful people in Salem. Eventually, she flees Salem with her uncle's fortune rather than face the consequences of her actions.

Gender: female

Susanna Walcott

A servant

Gender: female

Ann Putnam

A rich and well-connected member of Salem's elite. She has one daughter, Ruth (in real life, Ann Putnam, Jr.), but has lost seven other children to illness. Believing witches to be responsible, she eagerly sides with Abigail. (In real life, Ann Putnam (née Carr) had twelve children, ten of whom survived their parents, who both died in 1699).

Gender: female

Thomas Putnam

One of the richest men in Salem. He is greedy and conniving, using the accusations as cover to purchase land seized from convicted witches.

Gender: male

Betty Parris

The ten-year-old daughter of Samuel Parris 

Gender: female

Mercy Lewis

Primary accuser. 

Gender: female

Mary Warren

The Proctor family's servant. 

Gender: female

John Proctor

The play's protagonist and husband of Elizabeth Proctor. A local farmer, John is known for his independence and temper, which often gets him into trouble with the authorities. 

Gender: male

Giles Corey

A close friend of Proctor's. He becomes convinced that the trials are being used to steal land from the guilty and presents evidence to prove his claim. 

(The character is based on a real person of the same name, who was also pressed when he would not plead guilty to charges of witchcraft.)

Gender: male

Rebecca Nurse

Although an elderly, respected member of the community, she is sentenced to death on charges of witchcraft (and, in the play, infanticide).

Gender: female

Reverend John Hale

A young minister from Beverly, Massachusetts, known for his knowledge of witchcraft. 

Gender: male

Elizabeth Proctor

John's wife. She is also accused of witchcraft, but is spared the death penalty due to being pregnant. 

Gender: female

Ezekiel Cheever

The clerk of Salem's General Court. 

Gender: male

George Herrick/John Willard

Herrick is the town marshal of Salem, and leads the effort to find and arrest those accused of witchcraft until he falls into despair and turns to alcoholism. 

Gender: male

Judge John Hathorne

One of the two judges presiding over the court. Hathorne is a deeply pious man whose blind faith in Abigail's trustworthiness is largely responsible for the destruction wrought by the trials.

Gender: male

Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth

The chief judge of the court. He views the proceedings as an opportunity to cement his power and influence, eagerly convicting anyone brought before him. 

Gender: male