Abigail Williams is an orphan who lives with her uncle, Reverend Parris.
Abigail is a mean and vindictive person who always wants her way, no matter who she hurts.
On account of the fear for her life, Abigail began to accuse the townspeople of witchcraft. After she and the other girls were discovered in the forest dancing, she knew that they would be whipped and possibly hung. Abigail claimed that they were bewitched, and began to name names of those who were 'with the devil'. Nothing would stop her from protecting herself.Abigail is a rather static character who does not change through the play.
She is not developed as a real character but merely serves the purpose to start the plot and keep it moving. Beyond that, she does little more. She gets the plot moving by introducing the idea of witches in the village to the townspeople, and keeps it moving by constantly accusing more women and plays upon the fears of the townspeople. Abigail is cunning, conniving, and deceitful. She says, I know how you clutched my back behind your house and sweated like a stallion whenever I came near! Through this, she is able to control Proctor to a certain extent.
Later, Proctor is able to overcome her.
Orphaned niece of Reverend Parris. She was once the lover of John Proctor but was turned out when his wife discovered the affair. She is extremely jealous of Elizabeth Proctor and uses her power in the town to rid herself of Elizabeth as well as any others who have insulted her in the past. She cannot let go of her obsession with Proctor. She is the leader of the girls.
Bibliography:
