Character Analysis Of Mary Warren In The Crucible

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The Salem Witch Trials were a series of horrific events that got everyone nowhere, fast. The court hearings of the people convicted of witchcraft lead up to their prosecutions, leaving approximately 20 dead. The play The Crucible paints a picture for readers to imagine this historic misunderstanding. Mary Warren, a character in the play, is introduced as a shy, bashful young lady that is walked on by Abigail. Mary then shows a different side of herself as she becomes more confident during a scene with Proctor. However, even though Mary is portrayed with more confidence, she takes a few steps backwards just to fit in with the other girls. Mary Warren’s character changes throughout the play as she breaks from her shell, yet she still goes back to her former ways to fit in. …show more content…
Mary is one of these girls. Mary’s initial impression, timid and quiet, is shown in the beginning of the play, when Abigail yells “I say shut it, Mary Warren!” (Miller Act 1). Mary quickly listens to Abby and soon leaves. Mary did not stick up for herself just because she was intimidated by Abby and it did not get her anywhere. However, later in the play, Mary does stick up for herself when talking to Proctor. Mary’s character shifts dramatically and shocks readers when she says, “I’ll not be ordered to bed no more, Mr. Proctor! I am eighteen and a woman, however single!” (Miller Act 2). While arguing with Proctor, Mary was gradually becoming more aggressive, which peaks her character’s dynamics. This character change is one of the largest in the play because the sudden shift from shyness to confidence was an unexpected