Foil

Character Role Analysis

John Proctor to Reverend John Hale

Like John Proctor, Reverend Hale goes through a major journey over the course of the play. Their paths, however, go in diametrically opposite directions. Proctor goes from doubt and uncertainty to a place of truth. He is redeemed and in the end finds his goodness.

Hale, on the other hand, starts out completely certain and confident in the righteousness of his calling. By the end of the play, though, he is counseling people to lie just to save their lives. The Reverend now preaches deceit rather than truth. He becomes a prisoner of guilt and confusion.

Elizabeth Proctor to Abigail Williams

Though both Elizabeth and Abigail play other roles in the play, they serve as foils for each other as well. Elizabeth is contrasted with Abigail as being forgiving, loving, and truthful, while Abigail is jealous, vengeful, and a liar.