To truly understand characters in the Crucible and their motivation for their behaviour, one must refer to Kollberg’s moral perceptions for explanations. In this essay, Kollberg’s three moral perception’s will be discussed. The three moral perceptions are pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. A discussion will take place with detailed definition of each category and an understanding on how characters from the Crucible fit into these three categories. 

There are characters that are pre-conventional. Pre-conventional behavior is when an individual behaves in a specific way to avoid punishment and obtain reward. The first pre-conventional character to discuss is Tituba. She demonstrates she fits into this category when she admits to telling the devil she has no “desire to work for him,’’ ultimately confessing to having spoken to the devil. She took the responsibly in witchcraft to avoid being whipped to confess, even if it is a lie, she knows it is better to confess now than later. Another character that tries to avoid punishment and achieve reward is Reverand Parris. He does this when he suggests postponing hanging “this sort’’ due to there being ‘’danger for [him].” Reverand Parris does not want to postpone the executions because he believes it is morally wrong, but because he fears people will come after him. He knows that the sort that is set to be executed are seen as good people in the village, he knows that decision would be questioned and challenged by others, and he would be at fault for allowing it to happen. And finally, Abigail Williams. She blames Tituba for making her “dream corruptions.”  Instead of taking responsibility, she claims Tituba bewitched her and made her do the bad things she did. Abigail wants to be seen as the victim rather than the sinner to avoid punishment. She also knows it is easier to shift blame onto Tituba since she is already viewed low status in Salem, and it wouldn’t be questioned by the others. 

Additionally, there are many examples of conventional characters found in the Crucible. Conventional characters behave in a way that allows them to fit in a group. The first example of a conventional character is Mrs. Putnam. She shows her conventional behavior when she encourages the rumors of witchcraft by accusing Tituba of knowing “how to speak to the dead.’’ She knows if rumors of witchcraft are spread, she could place blame of having seven dead kids onto someone else. She does this to avoid being judged by others and be seen as an incompetent mother. Another example of a character that seeks group acceptance is John Proctor. He is reluctant to go to court and reveal the truth about Abigail. While his wife, Elizabeth Proctor, is being taken away by the court, he tells her that he “will bring her home.” John Proctor had the chance to keep his wife safe in that moment but chose not to because he knew that revealing his secret would ruin his name in the village.  And finally, Reverand Parris. Parris claims that when he picked up Mary Warren her skin felt “icy,” he knows that if Mary Warren convinces the court that she was faking fainting, the blame would be placed onto him that Abigail was doing witchcraft in his home under his responsibility. It would make him look bad if people in the village found out his niece and daughter made up lies that caused people to go to jail, so he lied to side with the accusers and the court. 

There are also examples of post-conventional characters found in the Crucible. A post-conventional character has internalized a sense of right and wrong. They have a strongly developed value system. The individual is not motivated by reward, punishment, or acceptance into a group. The first example of a post- conventional character is John Hale. He shows his post-conventional attributes when ‘’ quit[ing] [the] court.” Although quitting court would mean ending his career, and his reputation in the village. Morally, he cannot in his right conscious be a part of a lie he suspects Abigail, and the girls have made up. Another example of a character that has a sense of right and wrong and isn’t driven by reward, punishment, or acceptance is Elizabeth Proctor. She shows this strong moral sense when refusing to say she “believe[s]” in witches. Elizabeth knows that denying witches means denying the Gospel, which was considered blasphemous and seen as a sin.  Elizabeth knows this could be used as evidence for being a witch. But, despite the witch accusations that may come with saying it, she chose to speak her truth. And finally, John Proctor. Despite being told that he ‘’will be hanged’’ if he doesn’t admit to witchcraft, John Proctor chose to deny it. This is a clear example of having morals, he wanted to go out with the good people instead of staying alive with the liars. 

To fully understand why characters in the Crucible behave the way they do, one should analyze them through Kollberg’s moral perceptions. Analyzing the Crucible through Kollberg’s three moral perceptions reveals the reasonings behind each character’s choices. The pre-conventional characters are driven by fear of punishment or desire for personal gain. The conventional characters focus on social approval. While the post-conventional characters are guided by their internal principles and moral beliefs. It is evident in this essay that Kollberg’s moral theory gives a better understanding behind the characters actions.