John Proctor is the main character, or the Protagonist of The Crucible. He is at the center, along with Abigail Williams, of the witch trials hysteria. Even though Proctor attempts to stay out of the middle of the fear and paranoia that grips Salem, he is dragged into it by Abigail's accusation against Elizabeth Proctor.
Proctor's affair with Abigail has set the entire accusation process in motion. It is because of Abigail's desire to get back together with Proctor and to eliminate his wife, that she takes control of the group of girls leading them in pretending to see spirits in court.
She advances her plan to get rid of Elizabeth by accusing her of witchcraft. Once Elizabeth is arrested, Proctor has no choice but to go to court and fight for her life.
"When the accusations fly at the trials, he is determined to tell the truth, even if it means criticizing and antagonizing the investigators. His determination to expose Abigail's false accusations eventually leads him to admit his own adultery to the court."
John Proctor is considered a tragic hero, and an American hero, because he makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving up his life for his beliefs.
Proctor surrenders his earthly life rather than give up his name and reputation in Salem. He gets some of his dignity back by confessing his sin with Abigail and then decides to protect his family by not saving his life by confessing to witchcraft.
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