To genuinely comprehend the characters in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, one can utilize Kohlberg’s moral framework as a means to help us grasp the motivations and influences of these characters. The three levels are pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. These three stages typically unfold in this chronological order throughout an individual’s life, and often more than one stage is taken into account when behaviours manifest.

The play contains multiple examples that illustrate the pre-conventional level of moral development. The pre-conventional level occurs when an individual behaves in a way to obtain rewards or avoid punishment. To begin with, Abigail Williams, a fourteen-year-old girl, exhibits pre-conventional behaviour. This is evident when Hale remarks, “A needle was found stuck into [Abigail’s] belly.” Abigail pushes a needle into her belly, despite the severe pain, bleeding, and potential for infection that it could cause. Because she is attracted to John Proctor, a thirty-five-year-old married man with three children, she wants to remove Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth, to increase her chances of having John to herself. Abigail’s willingness to harm herself in an attempt to frame Elizabeth and eliminate her competition for John’s affection exemplifies pre-conventional moral reasoning, as she acts purely out of self-interest. Moreover, Danforth vividly portrays a person operating at the pre-conventional level, acting to avoid punishment and preserve his position of authority. He exemplifies this behaviour when he says, “[Ninety-one landholding farmers] should be summoned.” Danforth is willing to do anything to maintain and elevate his influence and power. He knows that if he were to admit his errors in judgment or alter his rulings on the matter of witchcraft, his authority would be undermined. Rather than risk his power and status, Danforth chooses to continue his harsh measures, reflecting the pre-conventional level where avoiding consequences and safeguarding personal interests take precedence over justice. The final example of pre-conventional behaviour is found in the character of Thomas Putnam. He displays this when Giles Corey says, “This man is killing his neighbours for their land!” Mr. Putnam, the wealthiest man in Salem, exploits the witch trials to acquire more land. When an individual’s property is up for sale due to accusations of witchcraft, the government does not divide the land into smaller pieces, making it affordable only for the wealthiest individuals like Putnam. Consequently, he is often the only one able to purchase substantial properties, such as Mr. Jacobs’s land. Putnam’s actions reveal his purely self-serving motives, as he uses the fear and chaos of the witch trials to expand his wealth, caring little for the well-being of his neighbour. In conclusion, these characters in The Crucible—Abigail Williams, Danforth, and Thomas Putnam—demonstrate behaviours that align with the pre-conventional level of moral development. Each character, driven by selfish motives, acts primarily to secure personal gain or avoid consequences, with little regard for ethical or societal standards. Through these characters, the play highlights the destructive power of self-interest when unchecked by moral responsibility.

The play presents several instances where characters embody the Conventional level of moral development. At the Conventional level, individuals take actions to fit in with societal expectations or a specific group. Initially, Ann Putnam exemplifies this Conventional behaviour. She demonstrates this when she says, “My babies always shrivelled in her hands.” Mrs. Putnam wants to place blame on others for her family’s misfortunes because it aligns with societal expectations and relieves her own feelings of guilt. By attributing her losses to another’s supposed actions, she conforms to the community’s tendency to look for scapegoats in times of distress.In addition, Mary Warren portrays a person who behaves in a way to fit into a group. She illustrates this level when John Proctor states, “[Mary] only pretended to faint, Your Excellency.” Influenced by the atmosphere in the court and the behaviour of others, Mary pretends to believe in witchcraft, spirits, and even faints to align with the group’s beliefs. Her actions are driven by a need for acceptance, a desire to gain power, and the safety that comes with conformity. Mary’s behaviour shows how deeply she values the security and approval that comes from conforming to the dominant group’s beliefs, even if it means lying or pretending. The final example of the second level of moral development is Elizabeth Proctor. She exemplifies this level when her husband, John Proctor, states, “In her life, [Elizabeth] never lied.” This reflects Elizabeth’s commitment to her religious values and her emphasis on honesty and integrity. She wants to be recognized as a good Christian woman and ultimately enter Heaven after her death. Elizabeth’s adherence to truthfulness is not only a reflection of her personal values but also a way to fulfill societal expectations of morality and virtue, aligning her behaviour with the community’s moral standards.

In conclusion, these characters—Ann Putnam, Mary Warren, and Elizabeth Proctor—demonstrate the Conventional level of moral development in The Crucible. Each character, driven by a need for acceptance or to meet societal expectations, behaves in ways that align with the group or community’s standards, often prioritizing conformity over personal beliefs or truth. Through these characters, the play reveals how the desire to belong or meet societal norms can influence behaviour, underscoring the powerful role of social conformity in moral development.

The play The Crucible provides numerous examples of characters displaying post-conventional moral development. At the post-conventional level, individuals act based on personal principles that transcend societal norms, rewards, or punishments. To commence, Abigail Williams exhibits post-conventional behaviour. She demonstrates this when Betty exclaims, “You drank blood, Abby!” Abigail disregards everything in her pursuit of her goal: being with Mr. Proctor and eliminating his wife. Her actions are driven solely by her personal desires and disregard for social or moral consequences, as she believes her end goal justifies any means. Moreover, Reverend Hale embodies a post-conventional personality, as he acts according to what he believes is right, without consideration for personal rewards or punishments. He illustrates this when he declares, “I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court.” Reverend Hale quits his role, an essential position within the court, because he believes the system is unjust. This decision reflects his commitment to his own moral code over his societal responsibilities and position of authority. By walking away, he challenges the corrupt court, showing that he values justice and integrity above his status and role. The final example of post-conventional morality is found in John Proctor. He demonstrates this level when he says, “I like not to spoil their names.” Although John understands the severe consequences of refusing to give names, he still denies doing so. He wishes to set a positive example for his children, preferring to die rather than betray innocent people to the ruthless court. Proctor’s refusal to implicate others, even at the cost of his own life, highlights his adherence to personal principles over societal pressure. He values integrity and is willing to sacrifice himself to avoid endangering others.

In The Crucible, Miller’s characters vividly illustrate the stages of moral development: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Abigail Williams and Thomas Putnam act at a pre-conventional level, driven by self-interest and the desire to avoid consequences. Ann Putnam and Mary Warren demonstrate conventional reasoning, seeking safety and acceptance by conforming to societal expectations. In contrast, Reverend Hale and John Proctor reach a post-conventional level, making decisions based on personal integrity and ethical principles, regardless of societal norms. By portraying these different levels of moral reasoning, The Crucible highlights the enduring struggle between self-interest, societal pressure, and individual conscience, emphasizing the role of moral integrity in resisting injustice and influencing both personal and communal destinies.