A Commentary on the Character of Abigail Williams from ‘The Crucible’
Abigail’s Background
Abigail Williams is the seventeen year old niece of Reverend Parris. She lives with Reverend Parris and her cousin Betty as she is an orphan who saw Indians smash her ‘dear parents heads in on the pillow next to hers.’ Abigail used to be a servant in the Proctors house but was discharged from their service because she had an affair with John Procter.
Abigail’s Personality/Characteristics
Abigail has a strong personality. She worries about what others think about her and tries to appear strong. Abigail is very manipulative and can change any conversation so it goes her way, she admits that they were conjuring spirits but it was not her, ‘Not I sir- Tituba and Ruth.’ Abigail is also quite calm in a crisis she calms Betty when she is about to ‘fly’ out of the window she also knows what to say back to her uncle when it seems that she is going to be in trouble. Inside Abigail is quite weak and fearful this is probably because she saw her parents killed. At the end of the first Act Abigail breaks down and tells the adults what they want to hear by this time Abigail, Betty and Tituba are in hysterics.
