How would you describe Abigail Williams? a. Shy b. Controlling c. Angry d. Deceitful, deceiving e. Kind f. Manipulative g. Beautiful

F. Manipulative

ExplanatiFon:

Abigail Williams is a manipulative character in Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible.” Miller  illustrates this through the stage directions in Act One. It states, “…an endless capacity for  dissembling.” (Miller 1130). This trait is how Abigail avoids conflict throughout the entire play.  Additionally in Act Two, she increases her exploitation to a prodigious scale. During this act,  Abigail pulls a needle from her stomach claiming that it was Elizabeth Proctor’s spirit trying to  kill her; therefore, causing Elizabeth to be arrested for witch craft at the end of the act (Miller  1176-1177). This example is the first time that the audience learns that the increase of Abigail’s  power has a direct correlation to the rising action in the play. Abigail uses power and  manipulation throughout the play to get what she wants and make people fear her.