What was the character of Abigail created to represent in The Crucible?

Although Abigail Williams was a real person, historical documents say she was only eleven at the time of the witch trials, so it is unlikely she actually had an affair with John Proctor (although young girls did sometimes marry at that age in those days). Her character serves an important purpose in Miller's dramatization of these historical events. Abigail embodies the theme that the witchcraft accusations were not only born of fear and paranoia, but...

Although Abigail Williams was a real person, historical documents say she was only eleven at the time of the witch trials, so it is unlikely she actually had an affair with John Proctor (although young girls did sometimes marry at that age in those days). Her character serves an important purpose in Miller's dramatization of these historical events. Abigail embodies the theme that the witchcraft accusations were not only born of fear and paranoia, but of self-centered behavior driven by peoples' personal agendas, as occurred with the McCarthy hearings (also the basis for The Crucible).

Abigail's cunning and self-centered behavior make her a manipulative individual who uses the witchcraft hysteria to try and get what she wants (in this case, she wants John Proctor to leave his wife for her). She is a strong example of someone who accuses others of witchcraft without worrying about what the repercussions will be. Just as the witchcraft accusations tore Salem Village apart, and had repercussions throughout New England, the McCarthy hearings had a widespread impact in America, particularly in the entertainment industry.