In Arthur Miller's political parable 'The Crucible', the protagonist, John Proctor, is flawed due to his affair with his maid Abigail Williams, leading to a series of unfortunate events during the late 17th Century Salem witch trials.
In the community, Proctor is portrayed as a man of high moral standards who values reputation and is not afraid to confront people who do not live up to his standards. However, his outward morality conceals his fatal flaw, leading to inner turmoil and conflict as a result of his affair with Abigail. This conflict is evident in his struggle with intense guilt and his attempt to save his relationship at the cost of his own life.
In Act Two, the domestic scene reveals the impact of Proctor's affair on his relationship with his wife Elizabeth. He attempts to heal the rift caused by his adultery, but all efforts are initiated by him, and Elizabeth's attempts to appease him highlight the distance that exists between them. Proctor's self-hatred and high moral standards prove to be the main obstacles in his life, emphasizing the damning effects of guilt in relationships.
In court, Proctor finally admits to his affair, but his efforts are too late. His confession, and Elizabeth's subsequent lie to protect his reputation, ultimately lead to his unjust sentencing to death. However, at his lowest point, Proctor gives into pressure and falsely admits to witchcraft in a bid to save his life, revealing his internal conflict and sense of unworthiness in the face of death.
At the denouement, Elizabeth's admission that "it takes a cold wife to prompt lechery" suggests that she also shares the blame for Proctor's actions. Despite his flaws, Elizabeth helps Proctor to see that he is indeed a good man, showcasing his complex character as a flawed protagonist in the face of the Salem witch trials.
Overall, Proctor's high moral standards, intense guilt, and inner conflict make him a compelling and flawed protagonist in The Crucible, forcing the audience to grapple with complex moral and ethical questions.
