"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!"
John Proctor
Actor's Note: The ultimate climax of the play. Proctor realizes his moral integrity is worth more than his life. Deliver this with a raw, broken, tear-filled roar. Chest heaving, standing aggressively in Danforth's personal space.
"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!"
Elizabeth Proctor
Actor's Note: The final line of the play. Elizabeth refuses to stop John from hanging because he has finally forgiven himself. Deliver with a quiet, devastating pride. Standing tall, bathed in the cold morning light of the jail.
"I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil..."
Abigail Williams
Actor's Note: The moment the hysteria is weaponized. Abigail fakes her religious awakening to escape punishment. Start with an ecstatic, breathy whisper, building to a high-pitched, frenzied, shouting tempo. Eyes wide, looking upwards.
"I saw Indians smash my dear parents' heads on the pillow next to mine..."
Abigail Williams
Actor's Note: Abigail using her own trauma to terrorize the younger girls. Deliver this in a harsh, guttural whisper. Lean in close to the girls, invading their personal space, making sudden, sharp physical movements to make them flinch.
"A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between."
Deputy Governor Danforth
Actor's Note: The core of the political allegory (McCarthyism). Danforth demands absolute obedience. Deliver with flawless, booming articulation. Remain perfectly still, staring down the accused from an elevated position (rostrum).
"There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!"
Reverend Hale
Actor's Note: The breaking of Hale's faith in the authority of the court. Deliver with extreme physical agitation—hands shaking, pacing erratically, voice hoarse and pleading. A total contrast to his confident, upright posture in Act 1.
⚙️ The Exam Prep Engine
Practice interpreting the play for performance. Click the button to generate a random exam-style prompt based on the AQA/Edexcel specs.