How Does Abigail Williams Use Direct Characterization In The Crucible

In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, indirect characterization takes place throughout the play. Indirect characterization is where one’s speech, appearance, or actions show their true self, rather than verbally being said. Many characters take on this in the play, but one particular character of note, is Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams gives off that she’s innocent and non guilty of incidents that have occurred, but in reality, she’s scared of potential consequences because she is responsible for the Salem Witch Trials.
When a person does something they shouldn’t be doing, they’re definitely going to be scared of the consequences behind it. Due to this, people will lie or do whatever it takes to save themselves. Furthermore, acting innocent and putting on an act that they didn’t do anything. Abigail Williams was in that situation and it lead her to no good. It lead her to being held responsible of the Salem Witch Trials. Indirect characterization is what supports this. It all began with Abigail and a couple of other girls dancing through the woods. One of them naked running through the woods and then Abby drinking a potion to kill off Elizabeth Proctor. She wanted to kill Elizabeth because she’s in love with her husband, John Proctor. To continue, Abigail somewhat lies about what happened, “we did dance, uncle,...and there’s the whole of it…..There is nothin’ more. I swear it, uncle.....There be no blush about my name”(Miller 25-26). First off, dancing is against their morals and can get someone in deep trouble if caught.

Abigail Williams was one of the main characters that stood out. She clearly lied about the events that happened in the woods, but not only did she lie, she accused others, specifically Tituba, for her actions. Abigail came off as very innocent but in reality, she’s held very responsible. Overall, making her a great example of indirect