Those who began the investigations:
* Abigail Williams: This young woman, fueled by jealousy and resentment towards Elizabeth Proctor, is the catalyst for the accusations. She is manipulative and leads the girls in their accusations. Her motives are primarily personal and driven by a desire for revenge.
* Ann Putnam Jr. and Mercy Lewis: These young girls are the original accusers alongside Abigail. They participate in the accusations, likely influenced by Abigail and the social and religious climate of Salem at the time.
* Reverend Samuel Parris: The minister of the Salem church, he is suspicious and easily frightened. He initially dismissed the girls' behavior as "illness" but then supports their accusations, likely due to a combination of fear, his desire to maintain authority, and perhaps even some personal ambition.
* Thomas Putnam: This wealthy landowner is driven by ambition and a desire for power. He uses the accusations to gain more influence in Salem and eliminate his rivals.
Those who condemned the accused:
* Reverend Hale: Initially invited to Salem as an expert on witchcraft, Hale begins to believe the accusations. He becomes increasingly caught up in the fervor and guilt-ridden as the trials become more extreme. He eventually realizes the injustice of the trials and tries to help the accused, but his efforts are largely futile.
* Judge Danforth: The Deputy Governor of Massachusetts, Danforth is an inflexible and stern figure. He is determined to maintain order and uphold the law, even if it means sacrificing justice. He is ultimately responsible for the executions and refuses to reconsider the convictions.
* The Salem community: Fear and paranoia spread throughout Salem, leading to a climate of suspicion and mistrust. The community, fueled by religious extremism and a desire to conform, readily accepts the accusations and participates in the witch hunt.
* The accusers: Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam Jr., and Mercy Lewis, along with others who join them, are directly responsible for condemning the accused. Their accusations, driven by personal motives and fueled by a climate of fear, lead to imprisonment, torture, and execution.
It's crucial to remember that while these characters played a significant role in the tragedy of the Salem witch trials, they were not the only ones. The entire community of Salem, with its fears, prejudices, and desire for control, contributed to the tragic events.