Examples Of Direct Characterization In The Crucible

In The Crucible, there are many different and dynamic characters with varying personalities; one of these includes Reverend Parris. The author uses indirect characterization to describe Reverend Parris as a fearful, quick-tempered, emotionally unstable, and non-religious.

Throughout the story, Reverend Parris is shown to be on edge when he speaks, often because he is afraid of what others might think, say, or do to him. An example of this is when Parris is speaking with Abigail and says, “But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it” (Page 10, Miller). This shows how Reverend Parris is afraid of what his enemies will do to him and his reputation. On page 14, Parris is shown to again be very frightful, as he says, “They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house” (Page 14, Miller). He jumps to conclusions and assumes the worst that he will be thrown out of Salem, which characterizes him as fearful.

Reverend Parris is also characterized as quick-tempered and emotionally unstable, as he often has mood swings and gets upset easily.

This can be seen usually in his actions, and an example is when Tituba begins to explain whom she saw with her in the forest and Parris responds with, “[Pressing in on her] Who? Who? Their names, their names” (Page 158, Miller). Tituba was hesitant to list who she supposedly saw, and yet Reverend Parris is very aggressive in his actions. Reverend Parris’s mood swings are more easily seen in this quote when he does this, “[Scrambling to his feet in a fury… He is overcome with sobs]” (Page 138, Miller). He easily slips in to anger, and then sadness, showing his short temper and unstable

mind.

Other characters words on Reverend Parris also reveal how he is actually non-religious, and somewhat disappointing at his job as a Reverend. This is first seen when John Proctor admits that the Reverend isn’t very religious, saying, “Take it to heart, Mr. Parris. There are many others who stay away from the church these days because you hardly ever mention God anymore” (Page 148, Miller). Proctor also explains that he wishes to join a party against Reverend Parris, as he is bad at his job, saying, “…there is a faction and a party…against [Parris] and all authority” (Page 150, Miller).

Overall, Reverend Parris is a round character with many personality traits. Examples of indirect characterization, including what he says and does, and what other characters say, are easily seen throughout The Crucible, and help characterize not only Paris, but many others as well.