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The Tragedy
of
John Proctor
A Tragic Pattern: How the play is built
A Tragedy

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A story about serious issues
It ends unhappily
It usually ends with the deaths of the
main characters
The main character’s death is usually a
result of his or her own downfall
A Tragic Hero
Aristotle’s classic definition of a tragic hero is someone of
high rank who embodies nobility yet has a fatal flaw
which leads to his inevitable downfall e.g. Macbeth,
Romeo etc. Proctor cannot be considered a tragic hero
on the classical sense since he has no rank, nor is he
particularly noble. He is an ordinary farmer and
adulterer. However, he is tragic in as much as he has a
sense of what nobility or morality should be and is
painfully aware of his own shortcomings. He senses his
own weaknesses and failures keenly. He could also be
seen to achieve nobility by the end of the play when he
refuses to compromise his principles and chooses to face
death rather than lie. In the end he chooses his own
integrity over his life which is ultimately Proctor’s
tragedy.
The Plot structure for a Tragic
Pattern
Crisis/ Turning
Point
R.A
Exposition
Falling
Action
Climax/Resolution
Miller’s Tragic Pattern
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Act I: Exposition (Betty’s bedroom)
Act II: Rising Action (Proctor House)
Act III: Crisis or Turning point
(Courtroom)
Act IV: Falling Action (Cell)
Act IV: Climax and resolution (Cell)
Act I: Exposition


Introduces the setting, main characters,
themes and the main conflict e.g. Salem’s
underlying tensions and secrets are
exposed.
Act 1 – Betty’s bedroom
Exposition
Act II: Rising Action

A series of complications which are a
result of the main characters taking
action. Arrests are made as accusations
fly.
R.A
Exposition
Act III: The Crisis or Turning
Points





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A choice made by the main characters
determines the direction of the action
A happy ending = Comedy
Downward action= Tragedy
Most dramatic and intense moment
All the complications lead to this moment
John admits adultery BUT is let down by
Elizabeth and Mary.
Turning Point
R.A
Exposition
Act IV: Falling Action

Presents consequences of character’s decision

The character’s downfall begins

Events lead to tragic climax e.g Proctor is
arrested and struggles with his confession.
Turning Point
R.A
Exposition
F.A
Act IV: Climax (CATASTROPHE) and
Resolution

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Also known as the CATASTROPHE
Occurs at the end of the play
Usually ends with the death of the main
characters (John)
Resolution- the loose ends of the play are tied
up. (Echoes…)
Turning
Point
R.A
F.A
Exposition
, Climax/Resolution