The actions of many of the characters in The Crucible spring from a complex web of motivations. Some of the characters later decide that they have chosen the wrong action and change their behavior. This switch is, again, often motivated by a number of factors. Compose a one-paragraph essay in which you identify a character from The Crucible and then explain his or her original course of action and how he or she changes. Describe what you think his or her motivation is both originally and after the change. Support your ideas with at least two specific examples from the text.

I want to choose Mary Warren and I know she went from Proctor's side to Abigail's... But I'm not sure what the motivation is? I think it may be that she was mistreated by some of the women in the village. Do you agree? Thanks for your help!

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crucible/

Read through the analysis of major characters and see what you think.

In Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, Mary Warren undergoes a significant change in allegiance, transitioning from being on Proctor's side to aligning herself with Abigail. While mistreatment by the women of the village might have played a role in her decision, it is not the sole motivation behind her change. Initially, Mary seems motivated by fear and a desire to do what is right. As a member of the court, she becomes influenced by Abigail's manipulation and the growing hysteria surrounding the witch trials, leading her to falsely accuse others. However, after witnessing the devastating consequences of the trials, Mary experiences a shift in her motivation. She confronts the unjust actions of the court and Abigail's manipulation, realizing the danger they pose. Mary's later motive is to seek redemption and rectify her wrongdoings, as she confesses to her part in the hysteria and attempts to save Proctor. These changes in Mary's behavior are evident in her interactions with the court and Proctor, where she demonstrates her evolving motivations.