In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, John Proctor is a complicated character with several important qualities. First, he feels guilty because he struggles with his affair with Abigail Williams, which he feels very sorry about: "I have fought here three long years to bend these [people] to my will." This guilt drives many of his actions in the play. Second, Proctor is honorable; he ultimately chooses not to lie and confess to witchcraft to save his life, saying, “I am not a saint.” This decision shows he cares about truth and doing the right thing, even if it costs him his life. Finally, Proctor is brave; he confronts the court and challenges the unfairness in Salem, culminating in his strong statement that he will not let innocent people be executed: “I will fall like an ocean on that court!” This mix of guilt, honor, and bravery makes Proctor an important character in the story, leading to his tragic but meaningful journey.
Put the text below into simpler words without changing the quotations.
In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, John Proctor is a complex character who embodies several prominent traits. First, he is **guilt-ridden**, as evidenced by his internal struggle over his affair with Abigail Williams, which he acknowledges with deep remorse: "I have fought here three long years to bend these [people] to my will." This guilt drives much of his actions throughout the play. Secondly, Proctor is **honorable**, shown when he ultimately decides to refuse to falsely confess to witchcraft to save his life, declaring, “I am not a saint.” His choice reflects a commitment to truth and integrity, even at the cost of his own life. Lastly, Proctor is also **courageous**; he confronts the court and challenges the injustices happening in Salem, culminating in his brave assertion that he will not allow the wrongful execution of innocent people: “I will fall like an ocean on that court!” This blend of guilt, honor, and courage makes Proctor a pivotal figure in the narrative, culminating in his tragic yet redemptive journey.
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