The document summarizes the structure of Arthur Miller's play The Crucible by outlining the key events and characters introduced in each of the four acts. Act I establishes the fear of witchcraft spreading in Salem and introduces many main characters. Act II shows the tense relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor and their impending arrest. Act III takes place in the courtroom and presents a struggle between superstition and reason. Act IV allows John Proctor to become a heroic character who chooses death over denying his good name.

1. The Crucible - Structure
Act I
We are immediately presented with the fear of witchcraft which is beginning to spread. The
first Act also gives us the background to the conflicts within the small community of Salem.
We see that there are disputes over land and dissatisfaction with the minister. Many of the
main characters are introduced.
Act II
The second Act shows us the uneasy relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor. The
tension is raised by the impending danger to Elizabeth and reaches a climax in the highly
charged incident of the arrest. During most of this Act there are only two or three
characters present and the drama is more intimate. The focus is on John and Elizabeth but
Abigail's influence is felt throughout.
Act III
The third Act takes place in the courtroom and presents us with the life-or-death struggle
between superstition and reason.
Hopes are raised and dashed. A crucial point in the drama is reached when John confesses
to his adultery. We feel that this should finally destroy Abigail's credibility, but the tables are
turned when Elizabeth's misplaced loyalty destroys his case. Mary Warren's attempt to
recant is defeated by the force of Abigail's personality (and that of her followers), and she
denounces John Proctor who is arrested.
Act IV
The final Act allows us to see John Proctor grow into a noble and heroic character who
chooses to die rather than deny himself and his good name. It is ironic that the once-proud
Hale is reduced to the stage where he is begging John to lie to avoid being hanged. There is
a dramatic twist when John confesses and then recants. In this Act the relationship between
John and Elizabeth is seen to have grown stronger than ever.