Could any of the characters in The Crucible have done more to end the hysteria in Salem?

Many of the named characters in the play The Crucibleare based upon actual historical records and people who were actually involved in the events portrayed. Certainly, any number of these people could have acted in ways to shift the course of events. For example, Abigail Williams could have chosen not to spread lies or to manipulate the other girls into following her lead. Justice Danforth could have chosen not to believe the girls' fantastical...

Many of the named characters in the play The Crucible are based upon actual historical records and people who were actually involved in the events portrayed. Certainly, any number of these people could have acted in ways to shift the course of events. For example, Abigail Williams could have chosen not to spread lies or to manipulate the other girls into following her lead. Justice Danforth could have chosen not to believe the girls' fantastical stories (referred to in court proceedings as "spectral evidence") over the accused. The Reverend Hale could have chosen to remain involved in the trials, instead of walking away in frustration; his attempts to be a voice of reason put him at odds with the judges and court magistrates, who had various political reasons for wanting rebellious people like John Proctor to be silenced.

Any number of townspeople could have refused to believe the accusations of witchcraft, instead of being willing to believe that witchcraft was behind any number of occurrences, from Betty Parris' strange afflictions, to the other things described (cows' milk drying up, children falling ill, etc.). Being able to accuse others of witchcraft effectively meant that community members could bring about the ostracization and ruination of their neighbors without ample evidence or proof, because the environment was so superstitious and supportive of these witchcraft rumors.