John Proctor is an important character. He is a farmer with a strong sense of justice. His affair with Abigail Williams is a key factor that complicates the story. Abigail Williams is also important. She is the instigator of the witch accusations as she tries to get rid of Proctor's wife. Reverend Hale is another significant character. He initially believes in the witchcraft accusations but later has doubts and tries to correct the situation.
One important character is Elizabeth Proctor. She is John Proctor's wife. She is a virtuous woman who is wrongly accused of witchcraft. Her character shows the injustice of the trials. Then there's Judge Danforth. He represents the power of the court. He is rigid in his beliefs about the witchcraft and refuses to consider evidence that might prove the accused innocent. And Mary Warren, Proctor's servant, who is caught in the middle of the accusations and is a weak character easily influenced by Abigail.