The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a very complex tragedy about the Salem witch trials of 1692. According to Aristotle, “tragedy is a serious action, complete and of a certain magnitude; with incidents which arouse pity and fear, by which to effect the catharsis of such emotions” (qtd. in Bowers). The Crucible fills all of these elements; it is an imitation of the serious witch trials that took place during the 1600s, and arouses pity for the characters. John Proctor, the protagonist, is a contrasting example. He struggled with guilt over his affair with Abigail and ended the relationship. In the story, every time Abigail approached, he completely rejected her despite her constant advances. Abigail went so far as to involve Elizabeth in getting back into John's bed. John, the true tragic hero, confessed and apologized to Elizabeth and the town even though it put him at great risk. The whole witch hunt started with John's affair with Abigail and all his lies. And it caused the death of many innocent people. Families, friends and neighbors who were once neighbors ...