FREE ESSAY ON ABIGAIL

ABIGAIL

Abigail Act 1
In act one we learn that 
Abigail Williams is an orphan who lives with her uncle, Reverend Parris. 
Abigail is a mean and vindictive person who always wants her way, no matter who she
hurts.
On account of the fear for her life, Abigail began to accuse the townspeople of
witchcraft. After she and the other girls were discovered in the forest dancing, she knew
that they would be whipped and possibly hung. Abigail claimed that they were bewitched,
and began to name names of those who were 'with the devil'. Nothing would stop her from
protecting herself.
Abigail is a rather static character who does not change through the play. She is not
developed as a real character but merely serves the purpose to start the plot and keep it
moving. Beyond that, she does little more. She gets the plot moving by introducing the
idea of witches in the village to the townspeople, and keeps it moving by constantly
accusing more women and plays upon the fears of the townspeople. Abigail is cunning,
conniving, and deceitful. She says, "I know how you clutched my back behind your house
and sweated like a stallion whenever I came near!" Through this, she is able to control
Proctor to a certain extent. Later, Proctor is able to overcome her. 
Orphaned niece of Reverend Parris. She was once the lover of John Proctor but was turned
out when his wife discovered the affair. She is extremely jealous of Elizabeth Proctor
and uses her power in the town to rid herself of Elizabeth as well as any others who have
insulted her in the past. She cannot let go of her obsession with Proctor. She is the
leader of the girls.